This contest in Adelaide is shaping as pivotal for both sides, albeit for very different reasons.
Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers Saturday 11 January 2014 Burton Park, Adelaide Local kick-off: 2.30pm (3pm AEDT)
This contest in Adelaide is shaping as pivotal for both sides, albeit for very different reasons. A win can lift Adelaide United one step closer to a hitherto unthinkable finals berth, while the Wanderers are in desperate need of all three points to avoid losing sight of the top four. The pair have met just twice, recording a win apiece. Victory for Adelaide, however, will give them their only superior record over a fellow Westfield W-League club.
The Lady Reds disproved any doubts about their credentials with a stunning win over 2012 champs Canberra United last weekend, which followed on from last month-s heroic though scratchy victory against Brisbane Roar. Though just past the halfway point of the season, Adelaide have already recorded a better points tally than their total in any of their past six seasons. Coach Ross Aloisi has instilled a commendable spirit and camaraderie although the former Hyundai A-League star says his players are “still not at the fitness level at which we would like.”
Western Sydney Wanderers have enjoyed some rare good news this week following an injury-hit campaign. Most notable will be the maiden appearance of the campaign for Westfield Matilda utility Servet Uzunlar following injury and also contractual complications with her South Korean club. Rachael Soutar will also be back in contention for selection following a better than expected recovery from injury, as will the under-rated Linda O-Neill despite being stretchered off in a neck brace last weekend in Melbourne.
Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 3. Alexandra GUMMER, 5. Jessie WHAREPOURI, 6. Laura STOCKDALE, 7. Rachael QUIGLEY, 8. Emily CONDON, 9. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 10. Monique IANNELLA, 12. Daila TAIS-BORG, 14. Jayah BROWN, 15. Jenna McCORMICK, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE, 17. Tiarn POWELL, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk), 21. Snez VELJANOVSKA 23. Kristy MOORE (c) (one to be omitted)
Ins: Alexandra Gummer (promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: 2. Bianca GRAY (knee - season)
Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (gk), 2. Caitlin Cooper, 3. Shawna Gordon, 5. Emily Van Egmond, 6. Rachael Soutar, 7. Heather Garriock (c), 10. Servet Uzunlar, 11. Michelle Carney, 12. Jessica Seaman, 13. Catherine Cannuli, 14. Alanna Kennedy, 15. Teigen Allen, 16. Linda O-Neill, 18. Helen Petinos, 22. Dimi Poulos (gk)
Ins: Rachael Soutar, Servet Uzunlar (both return from injury)
Outs: Camille Levin (hamstring - one week), Jenna Kingsley (unavailable - one week)
Unavailable: Tori Huster (knee - one week), Kyah Simon (knee - season)
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