Melbourne Victory will be looking to nail down a home semi-final when they host Perth Glory.
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Saturday 1 February 2014
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Melbourne
Local kick-off: 3pm
Melbourne Victory will be looking to nail down a home semi-final when they host Perth Glory.
Much is on the line for the home side who know a win, combined with a stumble from Canberra in the other Saturday afternoon match, will guarantee a first-ever home semi-final. It would also mean the Victory claiming a best-ever season finish, as well as staying in the hunt for the premiership.
Memorably the pair met in a tense and dramatic semi-final last season, with the Victory edging a penalty shoot-out win. Much has changed since and the Victory eased to a 3-1 win in Perth in Round 3.
The Melburnians have also strengthened their squad since, notably with the recent arrival of defender Lauren Barnes who boasts a more than handy resume. The Victory also announced the return this week of former club stalwart Maika Ruyter-Hooley and, intriguingly, midfielder Ella Mastrantonio who until a fortnight ago was wearing Glory colours.
The Glory, conversely, have suffered under a horror run of injuries this term. Numerous key personnel have been missing for lengthy periods and that list increased by one with striker Rosie Sutton ruled out for the final two weeks of the campaign.
On the plus side, seasoned defender Carys Hawkins returns to the fray after a spell in Sweden.
Meanwhile, coach Jamie Harnwell has made a call to arms this week in an effort to rally his troops who still have pride and fifth place to play for.
Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna Davey (gk) 3. Jessica Humble 4. Katie Hoyle 7. Stephanie Catley (c) 9. Caitlin Friend 10. Jess Fishlock 11. Lisa De Vanna 12. Jessica Samuelsson 13. Tiffany Eliadis 14. Enza Barilla 16. Beattie Goad 17. Gulcan Koca 18. Emily Hulbert 19. Alex Natoli 20. Cassie Dimovski (gk) 22. Lauren Brown (one to be omitted)
Ins: Alex Natoli (returns from injury)
Outs: None
Unavailable: Ashley Brown (knee – season), Emma Checker (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, 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, 28. Carys HAWKINS (one to be omitted)
Ins: Carys Hawkins (Sunnana/Sweden), Emily Henderson (promoted)
Outs: Rosie Sutton (hip – season)
Unavailable: Aivi Luik (hamstring – season), Kat Jukic (hip – season), Collette McCallum (knee – season), Kathleen Waycott (hip – season)
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