This match-up is one of the most anticipated of this season’s Westfield W-League.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Sunday 15 December 2013 Allianz Stadium, Sydney Local kick-off: 2.15pm
** Catch all the action live from 2pm (AEDT) on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Sports 1HD.
This match-up is one of the most anticipated of this season-s Westfield W-League. The two sides are building a healthy rivalry, squaring up in last season-s memorable grand final. The pair met just over a month ago on the opening day of the season with Sydney recording a stunning 5-1 win but a repeat of such a scoreline seems unlikely in the extreme.
This match will also be a milestone in Westfield W-League history, being the first to be broadcast live on Fox Sports.
The Sky Blues return to Westfield W-League action after a fortnight-s absence following a memorable trip to Japan for the International Women-s Club Championship. The team are undoubtedly boosted by the challenge of facing local Nadeshiko League big guns NTV Beleza, English side Chelsea and South American champions Colo Colo. Their playing stocks have also secured a massive fillip with Catlin Foord making her much-anticipated return from a lengthy injury absence, while the backline is strengthened with the signing of New Zealand international Anna Green.
Melbourne Victory are a very different team from the one which crashed so spectacularly against the Sky Blues on the opening day. Wales captain Jess Fishlock would boost any midfield in the competition, while goalkeeper Brianna Davey makes a welcome return after a fortnight-s absence with a quad injury. On the debit side, the Victory have had to come to terms with losing the popular Ashley Brown to yet another serious knee injury.
Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont (gk), Liz Ralston, Anna Green, Alesha Clifford, Ellyse Perry, Amy Harrison, Caitlin Foord, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Sam Kerr, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Trudy Camilleri, Natalie Tobin, Sham Khamis, Chloe Logarzo (two to be omitted)
Ins: Caitlin Foord (returns from injury), Natalie Tobin (promoted), Anna Green (new signing)
Outs: Leena Khamis (injured - one week)
Unavailable: Danielle Brogan (Calf - 5 weeks)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna Davey (gk) 3. Jessica Humble 4. Katie Hoyle 5. Laura Spiranovic 6. Cindy Lay 7. Stephanie Catley (c) 9. Caitlin Friend 10. Jessica Fishlock 11. Lisa De Vanna 12. Jessica Samuelsson 14. Enza Barilla 15. Emma Checker 16. Beatrice Goad, 17. Gulcan Koca 19. Alexandra Natoli 20. Cassandra Dimovski (gk) (one to omitted)
Ins: Brianna Davey (returns from injury), Beatrice Goad (promoted), Cindy Lay (promoted)
Outs: Ashley Brown (knee), Melissa Maizels (omitted - injury replacement)
Unavailable: Ashley Brown (knee - season), Emily Hulbert (glandular fever - 1-2 weeks), Tiffany Eliadis (overseas)
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