Both teams opened their respective seasons in poor fashion, however Melbourne Victory have since bounced back in impressive fashion to be warm favourites for this one.
Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets Saturday 7 December 2013 Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Melbourne Local kick-off: 3pm
Both teams opened their respective seasons in poor fashion, however Melbourne Victory have since bounced back in impressive fashion to be warm favourites for this one. Goals seem certain if the past few weeks for the two sides are any indication. Fans too will also be treated to a curtain-raiser featuring a Victorian girls under-17 selected squad against their West Australian counterparts.
The highlight of this match, however, will arguably be the return of skilful left-sided midfielder Ashley Brown to top flight football with the former Westfield W-League young player of the year to make a return after a 12-month absence through injury. It leaves the Victory boasting a hugely impressive starting side, with only goalkeeper Brianna Davey still absent through injury. A win for the home side will give Melbourne outright top spot on the ladder, at least for a few hours ahead of Perth Glory-s match later in the day.
Newcastle side have yet to claim a point and have leaked 12 goals in their three games thus far. An injury to key import Ciara McCormack is another blow the young Jets side can ill-afford. One positive, though, is the likely return of Hannah Brewer from injury.
Melbourne Victory squad: 3. Jessica Humble 4. Katie Hoyle 5. Laura Spiranovic 6. Cindy Lay 7. Stephanie Catley (c) 8. Ashley Brown 9. Caitlin Friend 10. Jessica Fishlock 11. Lisa De Vanna 12. Jessica Samuelsson 14. Enza Barilla 15. Emma Checker 17. Gulcan Koca 19. Alexandra Natoli, 20. Cassandra Dimovski (GK), 30. Melissa Maizels (GK) (one to be omitted)
Ins: Ashley Brown (returns from injury)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Brianna Davey (glute - 1 week), Rebekah Stott (overseas - 3 weeks)
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3. Stacey Day, 4. Siahn Bozanic, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 8. Maddy Searl, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 14. Sophie Nenadovic, 16. Cassidy Davis, 19. Adriana Jones, 21. Ainsley Buchanan (GK)
Ins: Hannah Brewer (returns from injury)
Outs: 5. Ciara McCormack (knee - one week)
Unavailable: 11. Grace Macintyre (knee - six weeks)
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