The Victoria versus South Australia rivalry will play out its latest sporting chapter in the Westfield W-League final round.
Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory
Sunday 15 January
Burton Park, Adelaide
Local kick-off: 3pm
The Victoria versus South Australia rivalry will play out its latest sporting chapter in the Westfield W-League final round. Last match was a resounding 4-0 success for the Victory but, despite the divergent aspirations of the pair heading into the last round, expect this one at Burton Park in Adelaide to be much tighter.
The home side crashed 5-0 last weekend at the hands of a rampant Canberra United, though three of those goals were leaked in the final ten minutes.
Remarkably Adelaide could have been level at one stage after good chances were denied by the goalkeeper and goalpost respectively.
Adelaide will miss American import Ashleigh Gunning this weekend through suspension, which perhaps will mean even more opportunity for Emma Checker to shine. The rookie teenage defender has been one of the finds of this season-s Westfield W-League after some consistent performances.
Coach Dave Edmondson has been pushing his willing players to improve with every match and Adelaide will be hungry to remain clear of bottom-placed Perth Glory and avoid the wooden spoon.
The Victory though have a major goal on which to focus as they eye their second successive fourth-placed finish, following on from their finals debut last season. A point in Adelaide will be enough for Vicki Linton-s side seem are set to hold off a late challenge from the fast finishing Newcastle.
The team-s strength has been an impressive defence, but in attack skipper Jodie Taylor is the leading goalscorer with eight strikes, four shy of Canberra ace Michelle Heyman.
Last weekend-s bye will see the Victory refreshed for their road trip, ahead of a likely semi-final visit to leaders Canberra the following weekend.
