Bobby Despotovski’s troops will be gunning for revenge on Saturday afternoon when they take on third-placed Canberra United at McKellar Park.
Glory were thumped 7-2 on their most recent visit to the capital last season, but head into this weekend’s fixture in fine fettle having produced a stunning comeback win over Melbourne Victory at nib Stadium last Sunday thanks to yet another goal from Rachel Hill and a superb brace from returning skipper, Sam Kerr.
After a disjointed first-half, Perth were back to fluid best once they conceded the opener, with their rapid and relentless response to Tash Dowie’s header showcasing the character that the squad boasts.
That victory cemented Glory’s position atop of the Westfield W-League ladder, while United will be looking to climb into the top two after beating Newcastle Jets 2-1 in Round 4.
Key Battle: Rachel Hill v Ashleigh Sykes
There will be plenty of firepower on show come Friday, with the league’s leading goalscorer, Hill, taking to the field alongside last season’s W-League Golden Boot winner, Sykes. Both women netted equalisers for their respective sides last week, with the American bagging her sixth of the campaign and the Matilda opening her account for the season.
One-to-Watch: Nicola Bolger
While the likes of Kerr and Hill earned the plaudits for the Round 4 win over Melbourne Victory, Bolger played a crucial role in midfield. The 24-year-old, who has earned six caps for the Matildas, was in fine form on Sunday with her deft touch on the edge of the area splitting the Victory defence and setting up Kerr to put the home side 2-1 ahead. Keep an eye on the former Sydney FC player as she looks to continue her bright start in the West.
Last Time They Met: Canberra United 7-2 Perth Glory
Ruthless Canberra ran riot at McKellar Park, scoring all seven of their goals within 49 minutes to secure an eye-catching victory that effectively cost Glory the Premiership title. Sykes scored four, while Vanessa Di Bernardo and Kerr grabbed late consolations goals for the visitors. The squad will be determined to exact revenge this Saturday.
Match Details:
Saturday, 25 November 2017
Canberra United v Perth Glory
McKellar Park, Canberra
Kick-Off: 4:00pm (Local) (4:00pm (AEDT))
Referee: Rachel Mitchenson
Assistant Referee 1: Nia Southwell
Assistant Referee 2: Georgia Ghirardello
Fourth Official: Delfina Dimoski
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on foxsports.com.au/live and the FOX SPORTS App from 4.00pm
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #WLeague #YGHAT
To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets
Canberra United Squad: 1.Haley KOPMEYER (gk), 4.Toni PRESSLEY, 5.Brianna OLIVERIO, 6.Caitlin MUNOZ, 7.Nickoletta FLANNERY, 8.Liana DANASKOS, 10.Grace MAHER, 11.Elise THORSNES, 12.Bethany GORDON, 14.Ashleigh SYKES (c), 15.Sarah MORGAN, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17.Madelyn WHITTALL, 18.Taren KING, 20.Amy SAYER, 34.Laura BASSETT, 36.Georgia BORIC (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 7.Nickoletta FLANNERY (promoted), 11.Elise THORSNES (promoted), 12.Bethany GORDON (promoted), 15.Sarah MORGAN (promoted), 17.Madelyn WHITTALL (promoted),
Outs: 19.Aoife COLVILL (not selected), 21.Ellie CARPENTER (international duty – 1 week), 23.Michelle Heyman (international duty – 1week)
Unavailable: 3.Clare Hunt (foot – 1-2 weeks)
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, 11.Nicola BOLGER, 12.Shannon MAY, 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS, 16.Amanda FRISBIE, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 24.Morgan AQUINO (gk)
Ins: 7.Nicole STANTON (returns from injury), 14.Caitlin DOEGLAS (promoted)
Outs: 10.Raquel RODRIGUEZ (international duty – 1 week), 20.Samantha KERR (c) (international duty – 1 week)
Unavailable: 1.Gabby DAL BUSCO (gk) (arm – 2-4 weeks), 13.Jaymee GIBBONS (ankle – 1 week)
#CREATEDESTINY
