Perth’s premiership credentials will be put to the test this Saturday against third placed Canberra United.
With only three round to go in this unpredictable and encapsulating Westfield W-League season, every fixture holds its own unique significance. Glory’s match-up with Canberra is no exception, with the WA side needing to win all of their remaining games to clinch their first premiership since 2014.
Perth currently sits just three points above their hosts, who they haven’t encountered for over a year, meaning the Round 12 fixture is another must-win affair for Bobby Despotovski’s side.
Glory are on a fantastic stretch of form, having not tasted defeat since the Round 3 loss away to Newcastle Jets on the 20th November (W5, D1). Canberra’s form has been somewhat of a rollercoaster of late, with the capital side the first team to take all three points from reigning champions Melbourne City (Round 10), then suffering a 6-1 demolition at the hands of league leaders Sydney FC the following week.
Canberra will be without co-captains and influential figures Ellie Brush and Michelle Heyman through injury.
With Perth just two points adrift of Sydney and with a game in hand, a victory this Saturday at McKellar Park could prove to be the most important result this season. This is a blockbuster clash not to be missed.
Key Battle: Rosie Sutton v Nickoletta Flannery
They may not be the biggest stars in their respective teams, but these two have played a massive part in the high-flying season’s they are enjoying. Whilst Sutton has doubled as a goalscorer and provider in the final third, 17-year-old Flannery’s December form has earned the forward Westfield W-League Young Player of the Month. Sutton’s match-winner in the last five minute against Victory last weekend characterised the 26-year-old’s importance to the Glory cause this season and will be hoping for more heroics against Canberra on Saturday.
Star: Sam Kerr
The Matildas star was absolutely on fire in December, scoring five times, including the winner and serious contender for goal of the year against Melbourne City. Kerr’s exploits in the final month of 2016 saw the striker deservedly pick up The Professional Footballers Australia Player of the Month award. The 23-year-old has continued her form in 2017, scoring in each of the two fixtures so far this season. The league’s top goalscorer will be looking to further her lead over Natasha Dowie and ensure Glory remain on track to claim silverware in the crucial clash against Canberra.
One-to-Watch: Shawn Billam
Billam has been in outstanding form of late, with the second longest-serving player in the current squad relishing the coaching of Bobby Despotovski. The English-born midfielder’s transition from defence into the middle of the park has been a stroke of genius, with Billam’s distribution and football knowledge proving a vital asset during the high-flying season.
MATCH DETAILS:
Saturday, 14th January
Canberra United v Perth Glory
Venue: McKellar Park
Kick-Off: 1:00PM (AWST) 4:00PM (AEST)
Referee: Kate Jacewicz
Assistant Referee 1: Allyson Flynn
Assistant Referee 2: Delfina Dimoski
Fourth Official: Kelly Jones
SQUADS:
Perth Glory Squad: 1. Melissa MAIZELS (GK), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Kim CARROLL, 4. Alyssa MAUTZ, 5. Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 7. Nikki STANTON, 8. Shawn BILLAM, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 13. JAYMEE GIBBONS, 14. Caitlin DOEGLAS, 17. Natasha RIGBY, 18. Gabby DAL BUSCO (GK), 20. Samantha KERR (C), 22. Arianna ROMERO
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
Canberra United Squad: 1.Trudy BURKE (GK), 2. Yukari KINGA, 4. Clare HUNT, 5. Jenna McCORMICK, 8. Hayley RASO, 9. Jasmyne SPENCER 10. Grace MAHER, 12. Hannah BREWER, 13. Celeste BOUREILLE, 14. Ashley SYKES, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Kahlia HOGG, 19. Nickoletta FLANNERY, 20. Georgia BORIC (GK), 22. Stephanie OCHS, 32. Lisa DE VANNA
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 4.Clare HUNT (promoted), 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 7.Ellie BRUSH (knee – 1 week), 11.Michelle HEYMAN (ankle – 2-3 weeks)
