Canberra United boast an unbeaten record against the Wanderers and on paper it is hard to see that record changing this weekend.
The competition draw has done the Wanderers few favours here with the Sydneysiders needing maximum points from their visit to the high-flying Canberra if they are to maintain their slim hopes of a play-off position.
Canberra are enjoying a rich vein of form and are now unbeaten over the past eight rounds. The form at home of the reigning champions has been equally solid.
Last week’s away win at Perth Glory came at a major cost, however, with Emma Checker the latest player to suffer a torn knee ligament. The sometime Westfield Matilda has been a key reason for Canberra’s strong defensive record this season.
United still need a point to mathematically assure themselves of a home semi-final, but of equal importance is the need to maintain form heading into the pointy end of the season.
Meanwhile, the second half of the campaign has not been so kind to the Wanderers, and several strong performances have been mixed with some indifferent showings. Nevertheless, the newer players in the Wanderers squad have adapted remarkably well to the demands of the Westfield W-League.
The Wanderers have collected just two draws from their six meeting against United. And it would be a major surprise if they claimed their first win against the two-time champions this weekend.
Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 10 January 2016
McKellar Park, Canberra
Local kick-off: 4pm
Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #CBRvWSW
Canberra United squad: 1. Lydia Williams (gk), 2. Catherine Brown, 3. Julia De Angelis, 4. Kendall Fletcher, 5. Jenna McCormick, 6. Caitlin Munoz, 7. Ellie Brush, 8. Meg McLaughlin, 11. Michelle Heyman, 12. Emma Kete, 13. Nicole Begg (c), 14. Ashleigh Sykes, 16. Tegan Riding, 17. Veronica Perez, 18. Rebecca Kiting, 20. Melissa Maizels (gk)
Ins: Meg McLaughlin, Catherine Brown (both promoted)
Outs: Emma Checker (knee – season)
Unavailable: none
Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Teagan Micah (gk), 2. Caitlin Cooper, 3. Carmelina Moscato, 4. Chloe O’Brien, 5. Kendall Johnson, 6. Rachael Soutar, 7. Helen Petinos, 8. Erica Halloway, 9. Elizabeth Grey, 10. Michelle Carney, 11. Keelin Winters (c), 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Eliza Ammendolia, 14. Demi Koulizakis, 15. Ellie Carpenter, 20. Jada Whyman (gk)
Ins: Jada Whyman (returns from injury), Helen Petinos, Demi Koulizakis (both promoted)
Outs: Jordan Baker, Lisa Farrington (both omitted)
Unavailable: Linda O’Neill (injury – 1 week)
Â
