W-League Preview: Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC

The Grand Final rematch is potentially another classic contest and a worthy match-up as ABC’s televised game.

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Sunday 10 November 2013
Lakeside Stadium
Local kick-off: 3pm

** Catch all the action Live* at 3.00pm on ABC1. Or catch up from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Thursday (*live in AEDT states)

The Grand Final rematch is potentially another classic contest and a worthy match-up as ABC-s televised game. Sydney FC were ultimately clear 3-1 victors in last season-s decider but revenge is a dish best served cold, and Melbourne Victory-s off-season recruiting suggests they mean business.

The Victory are buoyed by the signing of Westfield Matildas star Lisa De Vanna, New Zealand midfielder Katie Hoyle, Swedish defender Jessica Samuelsson and the return of Wales captain Jess Fishlock. The latter two are yet to arrive Down Under but the Victory have plenty of quality across the park with teenage defender Emma Checker following coach Dave Edmondson across from Adelaide.

It is hard to imagine a title race without Sydney FC figuring prominently and while the Sky Blues have been relatively quiet in the off-season, coach Alen Stajcic is confident in his roster. The return of two central figures in the club-s historic success – Leena Khamis and Danielle Brogan – is a significant boost. This weekend, however, Sydney will be without captain Brogan while teenage wunderkind Caitlin Foord is still at least a week away from fitness.