With lethal goalscorers on both sides, it’s anyone’s guess who will take the honours in Friday night’s opening-round A-League Women’s clash between hosts Canberra United and Melbourne City.
Local fans are more than familiar with all-time league leading scorer Michelle Heyman, but City will unleash New Zealand international Hannah Wilkinson for her Australian debut at Viking Park.
Signed from Germany’s MSV Duisburg, Wilkinson has scored 26 times for her country and City coach Rado Vidosic is expecting more goals from her.
“Hannah, Holly McNamara … we’re gonna get goals from more areas, but of course as a No.9 Hannah is definitely the number one goal provider,” he said.
“She’ll just need to learn to be more patient, she’s such a hard-working player … so mobile, so supportive of every play so she just needs to be a bit more selective.”
The game will also mark City defender Rebekah Stott’s return after battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, having not played professionally in nearly a year.
Veteran keeper Melissa Barbieri will also start, with young custodian Sally James breaking her thumb.
Having taken United’s captaincy, Heyman is looking forward to leading her side into battle.
“It’s the best feeling that atmosphere, hearing the crowd … I do it for them,” she said.
“Walking out onto the pitch with the armband on is something that’s gonna be very, very special.”
Heyman could be forgiven for enjoying playing at home as United didn’t lose at home last season and have won five of their last seven in Canberra, including a 2-1 win against City in January.
United coach Vicki Linton noted City’s new signings would make it a more complete challenge this season.
“It’s a little bit of a tricky one … if we execute we should be able to bring the game to them,” she said.
