An entertaining contest seems assured in the nation’s capital on Sunday for both local fans and national TV viewers alike.
Canberra United v Perth Glory
Sunday 26 January 2014
McKellar Park, Canberra
Local kick-off: 3pm
** Catch all the action Live* at 3.00pm on ABC1. Or catch up from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Thursday (*live in AEDT states)
An entertaining contest seems assured in the nation-s capital on Sunday for both local fans and national TV viewers alike as the attack-minded Canberra United host the enigmatic Perth Glory.
The game is crucial for both teams with Canberra able to seal their finals berth should they win, while Perth will bid farewell to their semi-final aspirations should they fail to collect all three points.
It will, however, take a landmark result for Perth to achieve their goal with United unbeaten in matches between the pair, winning six of the nine previous contests.
It is one of the few remaining unbeaten head-to-head records in the Westfield W-League, and includes a straight-forward 2-0 win for Canberra in the west last month.
The match kick-starts a hectic period of three matches in seven days for Canberra with an enticing Wednesday match against Sydney FC followed by a penultimate round meeting with Newcastle Jets.
The home side will unusually take the field without consistent goalkeeper Lydia Williams who is unavailable this weekend, while her great mate Sally Shipard is likely to sit out just one more week in an ongoing battle with a chronic knee complaint.
A win for Canberra will guarantee their semi-final ticket and, in fact, confirm the semi-final participants with two rounds remaining.
It has been a hugely challenging campaign for Perth Glory with injuries to key personnel blighting their ability to find consistency.
Canada international forward Christina Julien played the last game of her stint Down Under last weekend.
The Glory-s tough challenge has continued this week with midfielder Ella Mastrantonio parting ways with the club, however their backline has been greatly strengthened with the welcome return of Sasha Andrews and Sarah Carroll.
The form of Jamie Harnwell-s side has been erratic to say the least and it is a case of which Glory side will show up on the day. A season-low 8-2 defeat against Sydney FC, was followed by a credible 2-1 defeat at star-studded Brisbane Roar, before a scratchy 3-2 win over winless Newcastle Jets last weekend.
Canberra United squad: Trudy BOURKE (gk), Catherine BROWN, Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, Kendall FLETCHER, Grace FIELD, Caitlin MUNOZ, Ellie BRUSH (c), Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Jennifer BISSET, Jocelyn MARA (gk), Stephanie OCHS (one to be omitted)
Ins: Jennifer Bisset, Jocelyn Mara (both promoted), Grace Field
Outs: Lydia Williams (personal commitments), Sally Rojahn (omitted)
Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – one week)
Perth Glory squad: 1. Chantel JONES (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Cecilie SANDVEJ, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 12. Kate GILL, 13. Elisa D-OVIDIO, 15. Jess DILLON, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 18. Amy KNIGHTS, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 28. Gabrielle DAL BUSCO (gk), 22. Emily HENDERSON (one to be omitted)
Ins: Sarah Carroll, Sasha Andrews (both return from injury), Emily Henderson (promoted)
Outs: Ella Mastrantonio (released), Christina Julien (end of contract)
Unavailable: Aivi Luik (hamstring – season), Kat Jukic (hip – season), Collette McCallum (knee – season), Kathleen Waycott (hip – season)
Join the conversation on Twitter using #wleague
