Melbourne Victory head to Wanderers Football Park this weekend knowing a win is vital if they’re to maintain their hopes of clinching the Premiership this season.
Running second on the ladder, Victory are five points behind rivals Melbourne City at the top of the ladder, albeit with a game in hand.
Despite the rest of the Ninja A-League sides currently enjoying the weekend off due to the FIFA International break, Western Sydney and the Victory will be the standalone fixture on Sunday March 6 after the original fixture was postponed due to extreme heat conditions.
With three games left to play in the season Melbourne Victory are likely going to have to win all three matches if they’re to topple Melbourne City in the race for the Premiership.
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Following this weekend’s clash against Western Sydney, Victory then have games against finals chasing Central Coast (A) and Brisbane Roar (H) before playing in the Finals Series.
Furthermore, one player who will also have personal accolades to fight for this weekend in Victory striker Emily Gielnik who, having been overlooked for the most recent CommBank Matildas squad, will be aiming to move clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
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As for the home side, Geoff Abrahams’s Wanderers side head into the re-arranged fixtures sat dead last on the ladder and desperately looking to avoid picking up the dreaded wooden spoon.
Currently on a run of three-straight defeats in the Ninja A-League, the Wanderers are five points adrift of Newcastle on the ladder, albeit having played one game less than the Jets.
Despite their recent rough patch of form though the home side will take some solace in the fact the last time these two sides met they were able to score four goals against Victory as the game ended in a 4-4 draw.
Furthermore, 2023-24 Julie Dolan Medal winner Sophie Harding could be in line to start the clash against Victory after appearing twice as a substitute since recovering from a hip injury sustained in January.
Read on for all the team news ahead of this weekend’s game:
Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory
Sunday, 6th March – Wanderers Football Park – 5pm AEST
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Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 3. Gemma FERRIS, 5. Milly BENNETT, 6. Amy CHESSARI, 7. Amy HARRISON (C), 8. Olivia PRICE, 9. Sophie HARDING, 10. Sienna SAVESKA, 11. Danika MATOS, 12. Bronte TREW, 13. Talia KAPETANELLIS, 14. Ella BUCHANAN, 15. Cushla RUE, 17. Milly CASSAR, 19. Talia YOUNIS, 20. Sham KHAMIS, 23. Maya LOBO, 31. Keely SEGAVCIC, 37. Ena HARADA
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 13. Talia KAPETANELLIS,17. Milly CASSAR
Outs: Nil
Melbourne Victory squad: 2. Ellie WILSON, 4. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 8. Alana MURPHY, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON, 22. Ava BRIEDIS, 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 2. Ellie WILSON
Outs: 3. Claudia BUNGE (international duty)
