Canberra United are on track for a Finals Series berth but face a serious test of their credentials for the visit of the Western Sydney Wanderers juggernaut on Boxing Day.
Heather Garriock’s Canberra have been one of the surprise packets of the 2019/20 Season so far, safely ensconced in the top four after a 2-1 win over Adelaide United on Sunday.
In seasons gone by a home clash against the Wanderers would have been a home banker for the side from the nation’s capital but the Red and Black are a different beast this campaign.
Led by lethal imports Lynn Williams and Kristen Hamilton, the Wanderers machine has been steamrolling their opposition, and even crushed local rivals Sydney FC 5-0 in Round 6.
With leaders Melbourne City having a bye this weekend, Dean Heffernan’s side know they can go top of the league with all three points at McKellar Park on Thursday night.
Read on for all the team news.
MATCH PREVIEW: Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers
HOW TO WATCH: All of the action in Round 7
Thursday, 26 December 2019
Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers FC
McKellar Park, McKellar
Kick-Off: 7:30pm (Local)( 7:30pm (AEDT))
Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Assistant Referee 1: Nia Southwell
Assistant Referee 2: Delfina Dimoski
Fourth Official: Georgia Ghirardello
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 505 from 7:15pm (AEDT) , Kayo Sports (www.kayosports.com.au) and MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #CBRvWSW
To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets
Canberra United squad: 1.Annalee GROVE (gk), 2.Laura HUGHES, 3.Kaleigh KURTZ, 4. Jessie RASSCHAERT 5.Nikola ORGILL (c), 6.Emma STANBURY, 7.Simone CHARLEY, 8.Olivia PRICE, 10.Camila PEREIRA, 11.Elise THORSNES, 12.Hayley TAYLOR-YOUNG, 15. Ashlie CROFTS, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 20.Shamiran KHAMIS (gk), 23. Lauren KEIR
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 6. Emma STANBURY (promoted)
Outs: Nil.
Unavailable: Katie STENGEL (ankle – 3 weeks)
Western Sydney Wanderers FC squad: 1.Abby SMITH (gk), 2.Alix ROBERTS, 3.Sam STAAB, 4.Caitlin COOPER, 5.Courtney NEVIN, 6.Denise O’SULLIVAN, 7.Amy HARRISON, 8.Erica HALLOWAY, 9.Lynn WILLIAMS, 10.Kyra COONEY-CROSS, 11.Cortnee VINE, 15.Alex HUYNH, 19.Suzi PHONSONGKHAM, 20.Vesna MILIVOJEVIC, 21.Ella MASTRANTONIO, 23.Kristen HAMILTON, 30.Courtney NEWBON (gk)
Ins: 2.Alix ROBERTS (promoted), 19.Suzi PHONSONGKHAM (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 40.Jada WHYMAN (knee)
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6117263231001
TALKING POINTS: How will upstarts Western Sydney cope with a target on their backs?
ROUND 6: Westfield W-League Team of the Week
