A dramatic final round of fixtures could see Perth claim the premiership with a win against Western Sydney.
It’s been a fortnight of upsets in the Westfield W-League, with all of the top three experiencing rare losses at the pointy end of the season.
Glory, despite their two losses on the bounce, remain in contention for the premiership, but they’ll be relying on others to drop points. A win on Sunday against Western Sydney will be enough to secure top spot if Adelaide can beat Sydney and if Canberra can’t manage to get maximum points against Melbourne Victory. With the last few rounds full of surprises, anything can happen during a massive last round.
It was the Wanderers who’ve helped set up the dramatic finale, with their win over Canberra keeping Perth’s hopes alive. The 7th places side has struggled for consistency this season, but on their day can mix it with the best with Katherine Stengel always posing a threat.
Glory will be without Matildas superstar and the league’s top scorer in captain Sam Kerr after she received her marching orders late on in the Round 13 defeat and American Nicole Stanton will also be serving a one-week suspension.
Despite booking a finals spot weeks ago, head coach Bobby Despotovski will be desperate to see his side return to form and secure a much-needed win and possibly a premiership title.
Key Battle: Kim Carroll vs Katherine Stengel
Our no-nonsense centre-back will have her hands full on Sunday trying to prevent Stengel from adding to her tally of six for the season. The American forward grabbed the winner for Western Sydney last weekend against a talented Canberra side and Carroll will be looking to nullify the lively former Bayern Munich player. The battle between the pair will be crucial on a day where every match-up matters.
Star: Rosie Sutton
Sutton continued her great form last week, scoring the opener for Glory in last week’s 2-1 loss to Adelaide. The forward is in career best form this season, having netted six times and assisted on three occasions. The link-up play between the number nine and skipper Sam Kerr has been a joy to watch during Glory’s impressive season and she’ll be pivotal against the Wanderers, especially with Kerr absent.
Last Time They Met: Round 1: Glory 4-2 Wanderers
Glory opened their Westfield W-League season with a thrilling 4-2 win in a massive double-header at nib Stadium against Western Sydney. Caitlin Doeglas scored her first senior goal in under a minute, Sam Kerr bagged a brace and Rosie Sutton also got on the score-sheet in the stunning encounter.
MATCH DETAILS:
Sunday, 29th January, Western Sydney Wanderers v Perth Glory
Venue: Popondetta Park
Kick-Off: 12:00PM (AWST), 3:00PM (AEST)
Referee: Rebecca Durcau
Assistant Referee 1: Sarah Ho
Assistant Referee 2: Nia Southwell
Fourth Official: Katie Patterson
SQUADS:
Perth Glory Squad: 1. Melissa MAIZELS (GK), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Kim CARROLL, 4. Alyssa MAUTZ, 5. Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6. Carla BENNETT, 8. Shawn BILLAM, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 12. Roisin CONNOLLY, 13. JAYMEE GIBBONS, 14. Caitlin DOEGLAS, 15. Angelique STANNETT, 17. Natasha RIGBY, 18. Gabby DAL BUSCO (GK), 22. Arianna ROMERO
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 12. Roisin CONNOLLY, 15. Angelique STANNETT
Unavailable: 7. Nicole STANTON 1-week (suspended) 20. Samantha KERR 1-week (suspended)
Western Sydney Wanderers Squad: 1. Jada WHYMAN (GK), 2. Caitlin COOPER (c), 3. Nikola ORGILL, 4. Chloe O’BRIEN, 5. Helen PETINOS, 6. Kendall FLETCHER, 7. Sarah YATIM, 8. Erica HALLOWAY, 9. Katie STENGEL, 10. Paige NIELSEN, 11. Georgia PLESSAS, 12. Rachel LOWE, 15. Ellie CARPENTER, 16. Alix ROBERTS, 18. Angelique HRISTODOULOU, 22. Casey DUMONT (gk), 23. Joey BURGESS
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 11.Georgia PLESSAS (promoted), 16.Alix ROBERTS (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
#GloryIsOurs
