On paper this looks very much a one-sided contest with the struggling young Jets sitting at the bottom of the table and set to face a richly-talented Canberra United side filled with internationals.
Newcastle Jets v Canberra United
Saturday 14 December 2013
Wanderers Oval, Newcastle
Local kick-off: 3pm
On paper this looks very much a one-sided contest with the struggling young Jets sitting at the bottom of the table and set to face a richly-talented Canberra United side filled with internationals. History doesn-t favour the home team either with just one win for the Jets over the team from the nation-s capital, which was back in the maiden season of the Westfield W-League.
The Jets suffered a club record equalling 6-0 loss last weekend at Melbourne Victory and they will need to find a way to break up Canberra-s attacking rhythm or face the prospect of another goal avalanche. On the bright side veteran Irish international defender Ciara McCormack returns from a week-s absence through injury, and she will add valuable experience to a youthful backline.
Canberra United arrive in Newcastle having tasted defeat for the first time this season with Brisbane Roar edging all three points in last weekend-s match of the round. United though were hugely unlucky not to claim at least a share of the spoils. Canberra are at full strength, save for the ongoing problems with the knees of midfielder Sally Shipard, while Caitlin Munoz has been omitted from this match in favour of Jenni Bisset-s all-energy style.
Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3. Stacey Day, 5. Ciara McCormack, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 8. Maddy Searl, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 14. Sophie Nenadovic, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Lauren Brown, 19. Adriana Jones, 21. Claire Coelho (gk) (one to be omitted)
Ins: Ciara McCormack (returns from injury), Lauren Brown (promoted), 20. Claire Coelho (promoted)
Outs: 15. Siahn Bozanic, Ainsley Buchanan (both omitted)
Unavailable: 11. Grace Macintyre (knee – six weeks), Libby Copus-Brown (ankle – 1-2 weeks),
Canberra United squad: Lydia WILLIAMS, Catherine BROWN, Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, Kendall FLETCHER, Ellie BRUSH, Meg McLAUGHLIN, Grace GILL, Michelle HEYMAN, Sally ROJAHN, Nicole SYKES, Ashleigh SYKES, Lori LINDSEY, Jennifer BISSET, Trudy BURKE (gk), Stephanie OCHS
Ins: Jenni Bisset (promoted)
Outs: Caitlin Munoz (omitted)
Unavailable: Sally Shipard (knee – indefinite)
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