Maximum derby points are up for grabs tomorrow afternoon as Melbourne City FC will be aiming for its second win over Melbourne Victory in the 2015-16 Westfield W-League season.
Currently eight points clear of the competition, Joe Montemurro’s squad has the opportunity of extending its unbeaten streak to seven games.
Despite missing last week due to a scheduled bye, eight of Montemurro’s chargers featured for their country on international duty over the weekend.
Scottish pair Jen Beattie and Kim Little return from their UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers, alongside Jess Fishlock who also featured for Wales in the same competition.
Rebekah Stott lined up for New Zealand as the Football Ferns played two friendlies in South America against Brazil while four of Montemurro’s Matildas (Lisa De Vanna, Steph Catley, Laura Alleway and Larissa Crummer) pulled on the Green and Gold in South Korea.
The last time the two sides met in October, City triumphed 2-1 with a depleted squad.
Four players were unavailable through international duty while the likes of Little, Beattie and Fishlock were yet to make their debut in a Melbourne City FC jersey.
A quartet of trialists were called upon to fill the void, performing admirably as Montemurro’s side controlled proceedings.
Marianna Tabain broke the deadlock after the break before stand-in-skipper Aivi Luik sealed the three points from the spot.
Despite sitting last on the Westfield W-League table, a young Victory squad collected its first three points of the season last weekend, defeating Perth Glory 3-1.
On-loan Liverpool striker Natasha Dowie made her debut in Victory colours and offers an attacking threat alongside American Christine Nairn and Matilda Haley Rasso.
Nevertheless, a win would see the ladder leaders collect its 21st point of the campaign.
City have netted on 22 occasions in 2015, averaging one goal every 24 minutes.
19-year-old Crummer tops the Westfield W-League goal scoring standings with eight to her name while Tabain follows in second with four.
Originally scheduled at the Kingston Heath Soccer Complex in Cheltenham, the match has been reschuled to the Veneto Club’s David Barro Stadium, Bulleen.
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City
Sunday 6 December 2015
Veneto Club, Bulleen
Local kick-off: 3pm
(Please note change of venue)
** Listen LIVE on TuneIn – http://tunein.com/radio/Melbourne-Victory-W-League-Live-s256287/
Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #MVCvMCY
Melbourne City squad: 1. Brianna Davey (gk), 3. Alex Chidiac, 4. Jennifer Beattie, 5. Laura Alleway, 6. Aivi Luik, 7. Stephanie Catley, 8. Kim Little, 9. Larissa Crummer, 10. Jessica Fishlock, 11. Lisa De Vanna, 13. Rebekah Stott, 15. Amy Jackson, 16. Beattie Goad, 17. Marianna Tabain, 20. Trudy Burke (gk)
Ins: Jess Fishlock (returns from Wales international duty), 11. Lisa De Vanna (returns from suspension)
Outs: Anisa Guajardo, Melina Ayres (both omitted)
