A classic Westfield W-League encounter is in store for early arrivals at Etihad Stadium ahead of the Hyundai A-League double-header.
Melbourne Victory v Canberra United
(Hyundai A-League double-header)
Saturday 25 October 2014
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 4.30pm
** Listen LIVE on FFV Radio from 2.30pm. Head to www.footballfedvic.com.au or search ‘FFV Radio’ in the TuneIn smartphone app.
Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #MVCvCBR
Melbourne Victory are one of the form teams of the competition with a balanced and classy side unbeaten for five matches dating back to the opening round.
The last time the pair met just a few weeks back the Victory secured a highly impressive 4-2 win in the nation’s capital.
Canberra, for their part, are going through a surprising form slump losing three of their past four, and conceding a hefty 10 goals in their past five outings.
On the bright side though is the return for the first time this season of influential American midfielder Kendall Fletcher, whose presence should help steady the ship.
With a top-drawer midfield and a dynamic attack led by Matildas striker Michelle Heyman, it seems only a matter of time before Canberra turn results around.
Third-placed Melbourne know defeat will see Canberra leapfrog them in what could be a crucial result come the end of the campaign.
The loss of goalkeeper Brianna Davey to injury is a blow to the home team in what is shaping as a crucial encounter for both sides.
Melbourne Victory squad : 2. Hannah BREWER, 5. Lauren BARNES, 6. Gema SIMON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 8. Amy JACKSON, 9. Racheal QUIGLEY, 10. Christine NAIRN, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Beattie GOAD, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Elli REED, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI (GK), 30. Tori SNELLEKSZ (GK)
Ins : Tori Snelleksz (injury replacement signing)
Outs : Brianna Davey (shin 1-2 weeks)
Unavailable : none
Canberra United squad : 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 20. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS
Ins : Kendall Fletcher (Seattle Reign/USA)
Outs : Holly Houston (omitted)
Unavailable : Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee – 4-6 weeks), Grace GILL (ankle – 4-6 weeks)
