Here is a scenario that many would have thought improbable heading into Westfield W-League Season 2018/19.
The Melbourne rivals, Victory and City, have usually been at opposite ends of the ladder but we are not used to seeing the team in navy blue at the top end.
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Victory have enjoyed an outstanding Westfield W-League campaign and can go back top of the ladder with at least a point.
With striker Natasha Dowie netting eight times to be a joint-leader in the Golden Boot race and a solid defence behind them, Victory look the goods to repeat their 2-0 Derby success back in Round 3.
City meanwhile are in a familiar position as the finals race heats up, putting some good form behind them as they make their customary late run.
IMPROVEMENT NEEDED: City coach issues warning
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5985001286001
They currently sit in fifth place on 13 points but are used to winning Championships from outside the top two.
Head coach Rado Vidosic was less than impressed despite their 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers so expect City to be proactive in this one as they look to iron out a few creases.
Ins and outs
Saturday, 5 January 2019
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City FC
Venue: Epping Stadium, Epping
Kick-Off: 4:00PM (Local) (4:00PM (AEDT))
Referee: Lara Lee
Assistant Referee 1: Danielle Anderson
Assistant Referee 2: Jasmine Steger
Fourth Official: Kate Jacewicz
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS (www.foxsports.com.au) and My Football Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash tag #MelbDerby
To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Casey DUMONT (gk), 3. Teigan ALLEN, 5. Laura ALLEWAY, 6. Annabel MARTIN, 7. Christine NAIRN, 8. Angela BEARD, 9. Natasha DOWIE (c), 10. Kyra COONEY-CROSS, 11. MelindaJ BARBIERI, 14. Melina AYRES, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 16.Samantha JOHNSON, 17. Danielle WEATHERHOLT, 18. Grace MAHER, 19. Lia PRIVITELLI, 20. Bethany MASON-JONES (gk), 21. Ella MASTRANTONIO
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 11. MelindaJ BARBIERI (promoted), 14. Melina AYRES (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 2.Yukari KINGA, 3.Lauren BARNES, 4.Chelsea BLISSETT, 5.Helen CACERES, 7.Stephanie CATLEY (c), 8.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 10.Nia STAMATOPOULOS, 11.Rhali DOBSON, 12.Adriana JONES, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16.Sofia SAKALIS, 17.Kyah SIMON, 23.Melissa BARBIERI, 31.Tameka BUTT, 88.Theresa NIELSEN
**two to be omitted**
In: 10.Nia STAMATOPOULOS (promoted), 16.Sofia SAKALIS (promoted), 17.Kyah SIMON (return from injury)
Out: 22.Jasmyne SPENCER (unavailable – 1 week)
Unavailable: Nil
How to watch
With kick-off at 4:00pm AEDT on Saturday you can stream this match on the MyFootball Live App, Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
For viewers outside Australia and New Zealand without a broadcasting rights holder, you can watch games on the My Football Youtube channel.
Tickets
Don’t miss out on this huge Melbourne Derby! Grab your tickets here!
