Glory will be looking to regain their early-season form following last week’s setback when they travel to east to face Melbourne City this Sunday in what promises to be another classic clash.
This fixture has developed into one of the biggest rivalries in the Westfield W-League in recent times, primarily due to the thrilling encounters it tends to throw up and, of course, last season’s Grand Final match-up.
This time around, Glory and City find themselves in fourth and fifth spot respectively, perhaps lower than they and the public expected at this stage of the season. And with a home finals spot the focus for both sides leading into the final quarter of the campaign, it’s set to be a huge game.
The visitors will be boosted by the return of Sam Kerr, who still leads the race for the Golden Boot despite having played just fives games so far this term.
The match was originally scheduled for Saturday afternoon, but due to the high temperatures forecasted across Victoria, kick-off will now take place on Sunday at 4:30 PM (1:30PM WST).
Last Time They Met: 27th October 2017, Round 1: Perth Glory 4-1 Melbourne City
The opening round of the W-League season saw Rachel Hill announce herself to the competition, with her double on debut inspiring an emphatic 4-1 win over the reigning champions at nib Stadium.
Kerr opened the floodgates after just three minutes, to which fellow-Matilda Kyah Simon replied from long-distance in the 48th minute.
But it was all Glory from there on in, as Nicola Bolger also marked her debut with a well-taken goal before Hill completed her brace in stoppage-time.
Key Battle: Rocky Rodriguez v Jessica Fishlock
These two are amongst the elite in the competition and they’ve enjoyed outstanding seasons so far.
Rocky has become the linchpin in midfield for Glory, with her ability to create (she shares top spot in the league for assists with three), dictate the tempo and quash opposing attacks.
Welsh wizard Jessica Fishlock, meanwhile, continues to be one of the classiest players to ever grace the league, with City’s captain currently the club’s highest goalscorer with four.
This will be a fantastic battle to follow and could play a vital role in deciding the outcome of the crucial tie.
Match Details
Sunday, 7 January 2018
Melbourne City FC v Perth Glory
City Football Academy, Bundoora, Victoria
Kick-Off: 4:30pm (Local) (1:30pm WST)
Referee: Casey Reibelt
Assistant Referee 1: Laura Moya
Assistant Referee 2: Lauren Hargrave
Fourth Official: Joanna Charaktis
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To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets
Melbourne City FC Squad: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (Gk), 2.Yukari KINGA, 3.Lauren BARNES, 4.Ashley HATCH, 6.Aivi LUIK, 7.Steph CATLEY (c), 9.Larissa CRUMMER, 10.Jess FISHLOCK, 12.Jodie TAYLOR, 11.Rhali DOBSON, 13.Rebekah STOTT, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16.Sofia SAKALIS, 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 23.Melissa HUDSON (Gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 9.Larissa CRUMMER (promoted), 16.Sofia SAKALIS (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 20.Emily SHIELDS (Gk) (wrist – indefinite)
Perth Glory Squad: 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Natasha RIGBY, 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6.Danielle BROGAN, 7.Nicole STANTON, 8.Shawn BILLAM, 9.Rachel HILL, 10.Raquel RODRIGUEZ, 11. Nicola BOLGER, 12.Shannon MAY, 16.Amanda FRISBIE, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Melissa MAIZELS (Gk), 20.Samantha KERR (c), 30.Morgan AQUINO (Gk)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 6. Danielle BROGAN (promoted), 20.Samantha KERR (c) (returns from family absence)
Outs: 13.Jaymee GIBBONS (omitted)
Unavailable: 1.Gabby DAL BUSCO (Gk) (arm – 1-2 weeks
Coverage: The game will not be televised, but you can follow our commentary on our Twitter page.
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