The Westfield W-League blockbusters just keep coming as the champions visit their nation’s capital to tackle their nearest challengers from last year with the match televised nationwide.
Melbourne City’s 15-match unbeaten run could be given its sternest work-out yet, in this meeting against a new-look Canberra United. This time last year Melbourne City collected a 4-2 win over Canberra, but this season shapes as a very different prospect. Adding to the excitement of the occasion is the match being played at Canberra’s main stadium, part of a Hyundai A-League double-header.
After having the bye last weekend, Canberra United will unveil several new faces headlined by Japan Women’s World Cup-winner Yukari Kinga. It is an unfamiliar experience for Canberra, who are so used to stability. Steph Ochs and Hayley Raso will be familiar at least, and are returning after a couple of years away. Even Michelle Heyman could seem out of place with the prolific goalscorer tipped to fill a new position.
Melbourne City head to Canberra having opened with a tough 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets, the nature of which suggests things will not be quite as easy as they were at times last term. Plenty of stars have left, but there is quality entering through the arrivals door. None more so than goalkeeper Lydia Williams, who lines up against her old side for the first time ever.
Canberra United v Melbourne City
Saturday 12 November 2016
GIO Stadium, Canberra
Local kick-off: 3pm
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Canberra United squad: 1.Trudy BURKE (gk), 2.Yukari KINGA, 4.Clare HUNT, 5.Jenna McCORMICK, 7.Ellie BRUSH, 8.Hayley RASO, 9.Jasmyne SPENCER, 10.Grace MAHER, 11.Michelle HEYMAN, 12.Hannah BREWER, 13.Celeste BOUREILLE, 14.Ashley SYKES, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 19.Nickoletta FLANNERY, 21.Georgia STEWART (gk), 22.Stephanie OCHS **one to be omitted**
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 15.Emma CHECKER (knee – 6 weeks), 20.Georgia BORIC (concussion – 1 week)
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Teigen ALLEN, 3.Lauren BARNES, 4.Rachel BINNING, 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Aivi LUIK, 7.Steph CATLEY (c), 10.Jessica FISHLOCK, 11.Erika TYMRAK, 12.Olivia ELLIS, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Melina AYRES, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Jacynta GALABADAARACHCHI, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 30.Kelsey QUINN (gk) **one to be omitted**
Ins: 4.Rachel BINNING (promoted), 12.Olivia ELLIS (promoted)
Outs: 15.Amy JACKSON (unavailable)
Unavailable: 9.Larissa CRUMMER (ankle – 3 weeks)
