Canberra United enjoy an unbeaten record against Adelaide United but this contest is shaping as the most evenly balanced yet between the two clubs.
Adelaide United v Canberra United
Sunday 5 January 2014
Burton Park, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 3pm (3.30pm AEDT)
Canberra United enjoy an unbeaten record against Adelaide United but this contest is shaping as the most evenly balanced yet between the two clubs. Matches between the two teams have been relatively rare with just six meetings over the previous five Westfield W-League seasons, with Canberra winning five and drawing one.
Adelaide United welcome the team from the nation-s capital for just the second time knowing they have a stronger chance than ever of breaking their duck against the 2012 champs. The Lady Reds are a tough opponent for anyone as evidenced by their stunning win at Brisbane Roar in December. A win here will prove United are serious semi-final contenders and will keep them in touch with the leaders.
Canberra, like their opponents, have been blessed with a largely injury-free campaign helping for a smooth season to date. Sitting in second, United have lost just once in five outings, even then it was a somewhat unfortunate 1-0 reversal at home against the Roar. Canberra know that a win, dependant on Melbourne Victory-s result against Western Sydney Wanderers, could push them top for the first time since the opening day of the season.
Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 3. Alexandra GUMMER, 5. Jessie WHAREPOURI, 6. Laura STOCKDALE, 7. Rachael QUIGLEY, 9. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 10. Monique IANNELLA, 12. Daila TAIS-BORG, 14. Jayah BROWN, 15. Jenna McCORMICK, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE, 17. Tiarn POWELL, 19. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk), 21. Snez VELJANOVSKA 23. Kristy MOORE (C)
Ins: Monique Iannella, Jessica Waterhouse (both promoted)
Outs: Tegan Riding (omitted)
Unavailable: 2. Bianca GRAY (knee – season)
Canberra United squad: Lydia WILLIAMS, Catherine BROWN, Kendall FLETCHER, Ellie BRUSH, Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Sally ROJAHN, Caitlin MUNOZ, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Holly HOUSTON, Jennifer BISSET, Trudy BURKE (gk), Stephanie OCHS (one to be omitted)
Ins: Caitlin Munoz (promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – indefinite)
Join the conversation on Twitter using #wleague
