Much will be on the line when the main contenders for the fourth and remaining finals berth do battle in the nation’s capital.
Canberra United v Adelaide United
Sunday 19 January 2014
McKellar Park, Canberra
Local kick-off: 3pm
Much will be on the line when the main contenders for the fourth and remaining finals berth do battle in the nation-s capital.
The pair met just a fortnight ago with two early goals helping Adelaide to a first-ever win over Canberra United in seven attempts.
While it has been a breakthrough campaign for Adelaide, the Lady Reds will need to avoid defeat in Canberra or they will be left facing a near-insurmountable four-point margin in their hunt for an unlikely finals ticket.
United, for their part, are desperate to get their season back on track after consecutive away defeats to Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory.
Canberra have stumbled after some strong early-season form and defeat here will mean the possibility of missing finals football for just the second time.
The match marks the start of four consecutive home outings for Canberra in a run which will decide their fate.
Canberra were hugely unlucky not to claim at least a share of the spoils at leaders Melbourne Victory last weekend, and they once again are virtually at full strength in a largely injury-free campaign.
Adelaide are easily enjoying the club-s best-ever campaign and, but for a last-gasp equaliser last weekend from Western Sydney Wanderers, would be enjoying a first-ever two-match winning streak.
The match will feature the two best defensive records in the league with the respective nets guarded by long-term Matildas- team-mates Lydia Williams and Melissa Barbieri.
Canberra United squad: Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), Catherine BROWN, Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, Kendall FLETCHER, Ellie BRUSH (c), Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Sally ROJAHN, Caitlin MUNOZ, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Jennifer BISSET, Trudy BURKE (gk), Stephanie OCHS (one to be omitted)
Ins: Jennifer Bisset (promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – indefinite)
Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 3. Alexandra GUMMER, 6. Laura STOCKDALE, 7. Rachael QUIGLEY, 8. Emily CONDON, 9. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 10. Monique IANNELLA, 12. Daila TAIS-BORG, 14. Jayah BROWN, 15. Jenna McCORMICK, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE, 17. Tiarn POWELL, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk), 21. Snez VELJANOVSKA 23. Kristy MOORE (c)
Ins: None
Outs: None
Unavailable: 2. Bianca GRAY (knee – season)
Join the conversation on Twitter using #wleague
