Western Sydney Wanderers coach Catherine Cannulli has warned her players to prepare for a tough test in Friday’s A-League Women’s clash against Newcastle, despite a COVID-19 case disrupting the Jets’ preparations.
The Jets will head to Sydney to face the Wanderers at Commbank Stadium on the back of a thumping 5-1 win over Wellington last weekend.
The coronavirus outbreak in the Hunter region has played havoc with the Jets’ build-up to ths week’s match with one of coach Ash Wilson’s squad testing positive during the week.
While no other players have tested positive the player concerned – believed to be defender Kirsty Fenton – will not be available.
Despite that disruption, which prompted fears the game may have to be postponed, Cannulli insists the Wanderers will be switched on for the contest as they aim to rebound from their derby defeat to Sydney FC last weekend.
“It’s going to be a tough game,” she said.
“We’re going in to get three points and there’s nothing else in the back of our mind.”
The 2-0 loss to Sydney means Cannulli is still searching for her first win as Wanderers coach, after opening their campaign with a goalless draw against the Phoenix.
The Jets will celebrate a double milestone in the match with Matildas midfielder Emily van Egmond to make her 100th appearance in the competition while captain Cass Davis will become the first player – across both the women’s and men’s A-Leagues – to appear in 100 consecutive games.
In the past 12 matches between these two clubs, each side has won six games.
