Supporters in Canberra and viewers on ABC1 are in for a rare treat as Canberra United host Brisbane Roar in one of the traditional highlights of Westfield W-League season.
Supporters in Canberra and viewers on ABC1 are in for a rare treat as Canberra United host Brisbane Roar in one of the traditional highlights of Westfield W-League season.
The pair shares a rich history having opposed each other in two grand finals claiming a win apiece, with Canberra triumphing on the last occasion at their McKellar Park venue in 2012. Most significantly, however, is Canberra-s stunning 3-0 win in Brisbane a month ago to open the season. The Canberrans may have the psychological advantage but Brisbane-s star-studded roster are talking of “redemption”, and a high intensity contest seems assured.
Both sides are packed with Westfield Matildas- stars with Canberra United spearheaded by Michelle Heyman backed by a classic midfield, including former USA international Lori Lindsey. The Roar, for their part, can boast the likes of Clare Polkinghorne, Elise Kellond-Knight and the in-form Katrina Gorry, as just some of their Westfield Matildas personnel.
Interest too will be on opposite ends of the park and two goalkeepers of rare quality. Aussie No1 Lydia Williams will line up for Canberra, while the Roar can boast European player of the year Nadine Angerer between the sticks.
Canberra are in rare form having secured two wins from as many starts without conceding a goal thus far. However, it remains to be seen if their week off last weekend proves to be a help or hindrance. The team from the nation-s capital are set to be at full strength, aside from long-term absentee Sally Shipard who has received another minor setback in her ongoing battle with knee problems.
Brisbane seem to have put their early season stumble behind them and recorded impressive 3-0 and 4-1 wins at Perth Glory and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively. Doubts persist around the fitness of goal-sneak Tameka Butt, while striker Emily Gielnik remains injured but the Roar have more than enough firepower on the bench to trouble the Canberra defence.
Canberra United squad: Lydia WILLIAMS, Catherine BROWN, Kendall FLETCHER, Caitlin MUNOZ, Ellie BRUSH, Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Sally ROJAHN, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Jennifer BISSET, Trudy BURKE (gk), Stephanie OCHS
Ins: None
Outs: None
Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – one week)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Nadine ANGERER (gk), 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 3. Amy CHAPMAN, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Kim CARROLL, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Katrina GORRY, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 12. Erika ELZE, 14. Natasha WHEELER, 16. Hayley RASO, 18. Sunny FRANCO, 20. Kate STEWART (gk)
Ins: None
Outs: None
Unavailable: Tameka BUTT (injured), Emily GIELNIK (injured)
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