Rarely, if ever, has there been a more mouth-watering match-up in the Westfield W-League.
Leaders Melbourne City will be red-hot favourites entering this contest, but given the Glory’s own firepower, this is one that fans in Perth should not miss.
It will be an historic occasion of sorts amid the humble environs of Ashfield Reserve in suburban Perth on Saturday afternoon, given the pure volume of talent of display.
For the first time City will field celebrated Seattle Reign superstars Jessica Fishlock and Kim Little. They will also welcome back some serious international talent in Westfield Matildas quartet Laura Alleway, Steph Catley, Larissa Crummer and former Glory-ite Lisa De Vanna. As if that is not enough, City added highly experienced Scotland international Jennifer Beattie to their roster this week.
But the home side are no slouches either, and in dynamic duo Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, they have a pair that can match anyone in the league. City’s reliance will also, however, be tested by their trip across the continent.
Last season’s premiers will be out to prove they are not a spent force, and what better way to do that than by knocking off the much-vaunted City.
Perth Glory v Melbourne City
Saturday 31 October 2015
Ashfield Reserve, Perth
Local kick-off: 4pm (7pm AEDT)
Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #PERvMCY
Perth Glory squad: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (gk), 3. Kim Carroll, 4. Katie Holtham, 5. Shannon May, 6. Carla Bennett, 7. Nicole Stanton, 8. Shawn Billam, 9. Caitlin Foord, 11. Emily Henderson 12. Katie Schubert, 13. Danielle Brogan, 14. Caitlin Doeglas, 16. Thia Eastman, 18. Gabby Dal Busco (gk), 19. Ella Mastrantonio, 20. Samantha Kerr (C)
Ins: Caitlin Foord, Samantha Kerr, Mackenzie Arnold (all return from Westfield Matildas duty)
Outs: Evangeline Gooch (omitted), Sarah Carroll (toe)
Unavailable: none
Melbourne City squad: 20. Trudy Burke (gk), 3. Alex Chidiac, 4. Jennifer Beattie, 5. Laura Alleway, 6. Aivi Luik, 7. Stephanie Catley, 8. Kim Little, 9. Larissa Crummer, 10. Jess Fishlock, 11. Lisa De Vanna, 13. Rebekah Stott, 15. Amy Jackson, 16. Beattie Goad, 17. Marianna Tabain, 36. Erin Herd (gk)
Ins: Jennifer Beattie (joins on loan from Manchester City, England), Laura Alleway, Stephanie Catley, Larissa Crummer, Lisa De Vanna (all return from Westfield Matildas duty), Kim Little, Jess Fishlock (both arrive from Seattle Reign, USA),
Outs: Anisa Guajardo, Tyla-Jay Vlanjic, Racheal Quigley, Tessa Sernio, Kelsey Quinn (gk) (all omitted)
Unavailable: Brianna Davey (ankle – 2-4 weeks), Monique Iannella (knee – indefinite)
