Bobby Despotovski’s side will be looking to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season against second placed Sydney FC.
Perth Glory Women enjoyed a confidence-boosting 2-0 away win against Melbourne Victory last week on the back of superb strikes from Rosie Sutton and Vanessa DiBernardo.
Perth sits in fourth spot, with its opponent Sydney FC, two places above it on 12 points.
The clash at Dorrien Gardens will be a great test for Despotovski’s team, as the girls search for their first win at their new home ground.
Skipper Sam Kerr said the girls are “raring to go” since last playing at home a month ago.
“We’ve been away for three weeks, we’ve had the bye,”
“I’m really excited to play at home, we play our best football at home,” Kerr said.
While the Matildas star labelled the visitors as a “top team”, she insisted the squad is pumped to take on the Sydney outfit which is coming off four consecutive wins.
“We’re really excited for Sydney…we’re really looking to take it to them,” Kerr said.
Key Battle: Sam Kerr v Kyah Simon
With 116 caps and 29 goals for the Matilda’s between them, both Sam Kerr and Kyah Simon boast a wealth of experience and strike power. Skipper Kerr was desperately unlucky not to get on the scoresheet last week, with her efforts striking the crossbar, the upright, and forcing a series of smart saves from Victory keeper Bethany Mason-Jones. Simon scored her first of the campaign with a penalty against Newcastle last week and both strikers will be eager to add to their goal tally.
Star: Vanessa DiBernardo
Last season’s MGP was back to her dynamic and clinical best in Round 5. DiBernardo opened her account for the season with a fantastic left-footed curling effort into the top corner to seal a well-earned win over Victory at Lakeside Stadium. With the American starting to find form, the high-flying Syndey FC outfit will have to be wary of her tireless runs and eye for goal.
One-to-Watch: Gabrielle Dal Busco
The 19-year-old keeper was thrust into action in the first half against Victory following Melissa Maizels hand injury. The teenager showed great composure, as she kept a clean sheet to help ensure all three points for Glory.
MATCH DETAILS:
Sunday, 11 December 2016
Perth Glory v Sydney FC
Venue: Dorrien Gardens
Kick-Off: 4:00PM (Local) (7:00PM (AEDT))
Referee: Rachel Mitchenson
Assistant Referee 1: Matthew Southern
Assistant Referee 2: Shane Skinner
Fourth Official: Adam Fielding
SQUADS:
Perth Glory Squad: 1. Melissa MAIZELS (GK), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Kim CARROLL, 4. Alyssa MAUTZ, 5. Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 7. Nicole STANTON, 8. Shawn BILLAM, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 13. JAYMEE GIBBONS, 14. Caitlin DOEGLAS, 17. Natasha RIGBY, 18. Gabby DAL BUSCO, 20. Samantha KERR (C), 22. Arianna ROMERO, 24. Morgan AQUINO
In: 24. Morgan AQUINO
Unavailable: 1. Melissa MAIZELS 4 weeks ( finger)
Sydney FC Squad: 1.Sham KHAMIS (gk), 2.Teresa POLIAS (c), 3.Remy SIEMSEN, 4.Elizabeth RALSTON, 6.Servet UZUNLAR, 7.Nicola BOLGER, 9.Caitlin FOORD, 11.Natalie TOBIN, 12.Olivia PRICE, 13.Georgia YEOMAN-DALE, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 16.Hannah BACON, 15.Sarah EASTHOPE (gk), 17.Kyah SIMON, 19.Leena KHAMIS, 20.Princess IBINI
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 9.Caitlin FOORD (returns from injury)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
