This one is shaping as an intriguing contest with both sides earning contrasting and, indeed, surprising results in the opening round.
Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 16 November 2013
Burton Park, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 2pm (2.30pm AEDT)
This one is shaping as an intriguing contest with both sides earning contrasting and, indeed, surprising results in the opening round. Adelaide will be looking forward to their maiden home appearance after their hard-earned 1-1 draw at Western Sydney Wanderers. Melbourne, who boast high expectations for the season, have to pick themselves up following a 5-1 mauling by a rampant Sydney FC.
The new-look Adelaide showed a level of spirit and competitiveness in keeping with the playing style of their debutant coach Ross Aloisi. On this showing the Lady Reds will no longer be a team from whom a win is expected, with their physical and athletic approach very nearly reaping all three points last weekend. A youthful Adelaide side will look to the leadership at either end of the pitch in goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri and wide player Kristy Moore, while the expected arrival of experienced Norwegian Lisa-Marie Woods will boost the midfield.
The Victory will receive a similar injection of international flavour with highly-regarded Swedish 21-year-old defender Jessica Samuelsson to what was a porous defence in the opening round. No doubt coach Dave Edmondson, facing his old club, will be looking to utilise his talented wide players, notably captain Steph Catley who had a quiet match against the Sky Blues by her own high standards. The Victory will also be wary of Adelaide repeating an opening win from their first home game last season.
Adelaide United squad: Melissa Barbieri (gk), Bianca Gray, Alexandra Gummer, Tegan Riding, Jessie Wharepouri, Laura Stockdale, Racheal Quigley, Emily Condon, Lisa-Marie Woods, Monique Iannella, Isobel Hodgson, Daila Tais-Borg, Jayah Brown, Jenna McCormick, Jessica Waterhouse, Tiarn Powell, Jess Nagel, Kelly Baltrop, Kristy Moore (C) (four to be omitted)
Ins: Emily Condon, Monique Iannella, Jessica Waterhouse, Lisa-Marie Woods (LSK Kvinner, Norway)
Outs: None
Unavailable: None
Melbourne Victory squad: Brianna DAVEY (GK), Jessica HUMBLE, Katie HOYLE, Cindy LAY, Stephanie CATLEY (c), Caitlin FRIEND, Lisa DE VANNA, Jessica SAMUELSSON, Enza BARILLA, Emma CHECKER, Beattie GOAD, Gulcan KOCA, Emily HULBERT, Alex NATOLI, Cassandra DIMOVSKI
Ins: Jessica Samuelsson (Linkoping FC, Sweden), Beattie Goad (promoted)
Outs: Tiffany Eliadis, Laura Spiranovic (both omitted).
Unavailable: Jess Fishlock (overseas – 1 week), Ash Brown (knee – 2 weeks)
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