The Western Sydney Wanderers will be looking to kick-start their Westfield W-League season when they travel to Melbourne to take on the Victory on Sunday afternoon at Lakeside Stadium.
After sitting out last week with the bye, Rich Byrne will be hoping his outfit come out revitalised against a side that sits bottom of the table with a solitary point.
The Wanderers only sit two spots above the Victory on three points, so it’s shaping up to be a crucial game for both sides as the competition nears the half-way point.
After picking up their first win of the season with a 2-1 win against Adelaide in Round 3, the Red & Black suffered a 2-0 loss to Brisbane in their last outing in Round 4.
It was a frustrating day for the Wanderers, who despite playing some positive football were left ruing mistakes and missed opportunities; factors that have plagued much of their season so far.
American imports Katie Stengel and Paige Nielsen in particular have been bright in the final third and the young Wanderers will look to their experience to help seal a much-needed win in Melbourne.
The Victory too have struggled to string together results, having not picked up a point since the opening day where they drew 3-3 with Adelaide.
Jeff Hopkins’ side were downed 2-0 last week against Perth Glory and are in desperate need of the three points in order to help salvage their season.
The last meeting between the two outfits in December of last year saw the points shared, with Victory fighting from two goals down to square things at 2-2.
Melbourne Victory v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday 11 December, 4:00pm
Lakeside Stadium
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 NIELSON, 11.Georgia PLESSAS, 12.Rachel LOWE,, 14.Alex ARLITT, 15.Ellie CARPENTER, 17.Alyssa ROSE, 18.Angelique HRISTODOULOU, 22.Casey DUMONT (gk) **two to be omitted**
Ins: 3.Nikola ORGILL (promoted), 17.Alyssa ROSE (promoted), 18.Angelique HRISTODOULOU (promoted)
Outs: 16.Alix ROBERTS (not selected), 13.Eliza AMMENDOLIA (not selected)
Unavailable: 23.Joey BURGESS (calf injury)
