W-League Preview: Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC

Television viewers are in for a rare treat if the most recent clash between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC is any indication.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC
Sunday 2 February 2014
Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney
Local kick-off: 3pm

** Catch all the action Live nationally at 3.00pm on ABC1. Or catch up from Monday on ABC iView, with a full replay at 3.30am on Thursday

Television viewers are in for a rare treat if the most recent clash between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC is any indication.

The pair met just over a fortnight ago with Sydney FC holding on for an epic 4-3 win over their crosstown rivals in high-quality evidence of just how far the local product has come in recent years.

That made it three wins from three for the Sky Blues since the Wanderers debuted in the competition last season.

Although the Wanderers finals- hopes are now over, bragging rights are most definitely on the line with the majority of players on both sides having been developed in the NSW system.

Both sides are packed with Westfield Matildas, and there will be little love lost between the sides.

The Wanderers have been enigmatic all season, oscillating between sparkling pass-and-move football one week, and slumping to lifeless defeat the next.

In truth, their season has been hit heavily by injury, although this weekend they see the return of experienced American midfielder Tori Huster, although that is offset by the loss of captain and former Sky Blues ace Heather Garriock.

Much interest will be on Sydney FC who saw their season-long unbeaten streak come to an end in Canberra on Wednesday.

Sydney know, however, that the premiership is theirs if they win both their remaining matches.

After some barnstorming form, they have put in two modest displays by their own high standards with a narrow win over Adelaide followed up by defeat at Canberra in midweek.

It seems very much a case of which side will bring their best form to the table on the day.

And while it is the leaders that have been scoring goals for fun, derby matches rarely follow the script.

Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont (gk), Alesha Clifford, Danielle Brogan (c), Liz Ralston, Amy Harrison, Caitlin Foord, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Leena Khamis, Trudy Camilleri, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo, Sham Khamis (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Danielle Brogan (promoted)

Outs: None

Unavailable: Ellyse Perry (cricket commitments), Anna Green (Achilles – two weeks), Natalie Tobin (illness – two weeks)

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (gk), 2. Caitlin Cooper, 3. Shawna Gordon, 5. Emily Van Egmond (c), 8. Tori Huster, 9. Jenna Kingsley, 10. Servet Uzunlar, 11. Michelle Carney, 12. Jessica Seaman, 13. Catherine Cannuli, 14. Alanna Kennedy, 15. Teigen Allen, 16. Linda O-Neill, 18. Helen Petinos, 22. Dimi Poulos (gk)

Ins: Tori Huster (returns from injury)

Outs: Heather Garriock (suspended – one week)

Unavailable: Camille Levin (hamstring – season), Kyah Simon (knee – season)

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