W-League Preview: Western Sydney v Adelaide United

Last season was an impressively competitive debut from the league’s newest club and they were in finals contention until the eleventh hour.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United
Sunday 10 November 2013
Marconi Stadium
Local kick-off: 2pm

Hopes are high in western Sydney. Last season was an impressively competitive debut from the league-s newest club and they were in finals contention until the eleventh hour. From that solid base, coach Steve Roach has managed to recruit some impressive talent including Emily Van Egmond, Heather Garriock and Alanna Kennedy. A blow, though, was delivered recently with the season-ending injury to another new signing, Kyah Simon. The Wanderers could yet be without several players this weekend, with Garriock notably under an injury cloud.

A new-look Adelaide United are dealt a tough ask in their visit to Sydney-s west. New coach Ross Aloisi has had only limited time to get his largely inexperienced side to the level he is looking for. Several unknowns have been picked up from interstate as well as a handful of local youngsters. The experience of veteran goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri and captain Kristy Moore will be invaluable in a Lady Reds youthful side. Having finished last in the past three seasons, Adelaide will be looking to treat this campaign as a chance for a new direction.