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Canberra United can take an early grip on top spot with a second succussive away win, but they face an Adelaide United side who built a fearsome reputation at home last season.
Last term’s unexpectedly strong showing from Adelaide included a 2-0 win on home turf over Canberra, and the reigning premiers will surely not have an ounce of complacency this weekend.
Adelaide suffered a 2-0 loss on their visit to Sydney FC last weekend to open their new campaign. Though they rarely threatened the Sky Blues’ goal, they looked to have retained the same kind of resilience and team spirit forged last season.
In fact the Lady Reds – who enter this week’s contest with an unchanged squad – look to have strengthened overall based around the experienced central midfield duo of Katie Holtham and evergreen Danish veteran Katrine Pederson.
Meanwhile, Canberra enjoyed a 4-1 winning margin against Western Sydney Wanderers last Sunday, but by their own admission they rarely found top gear.
There were positive signs, however, with the lightning raids of Ashleigh Sykes and Stephanie Ochs on the flanks, not to mention the potency of Michelle Heyman at the focal point of the forward line.
The Canberrans will again be without teenager Grace Maher in camp with the U-17 national team, and the injured ACT Women’s Premier League Golden Boot winner Meg McLaughlin.
Adelaide United v Canberra United
Sunday 21 September 2014
Adelaide Shores Football Centre
Local kick-off: 2.30pm (3pm AET)
Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa Barbieri (gk), 4. Lauren Steer, 6. Dylan Holmes, 7. Katrine Pedersen, 8. Emily Condon, 9. Lisa-Marie Woods, 11. Isabel Hodgson, 12.Daila-Tais Borg, 14. Rachel Alonso, 15. Jenna McCormick, 16. Katie Holtham, 17. Tiarn Powell, 18. Georgia Campagnale, 20. Sarah Willacy (gk), 23. Kristy Moore (C)
Ins: none
Outs: none
Unavailable: none
Canberra United squad: 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 9. Grace GILL, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 17. Holly HOUSTON, 18. Rebecca KITING, 20. Melissa MAIZELS, 22. Stephanie OCHS
Ins: Sally Rojahn (promoted)
Outs: none
Unavailable: Kendall FLETCHER (overseas), Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee – 2-3 weeks), Grace MAHER (Australia U-17 national team duty)
