Melbourne City’s full focus is locked on Saturday afternoon’s decisive Ninja A-League Semi Final Second Leg, with Michael Matricciani confirming a settled extended squad for the blockbuster clash at ctrl:cyber Pitch.
After a hard-fought 1-0 win in last weekend’s First Leg at AAMI Park, City will enter the return fixture holding a narrow advantage on aggregate thanks to Leticia McKenna’s brilliant free kick on the stroke of half-time.
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While the result has handed City a valuable lead in the tie, full focus is required heading into Saturday with a place in the Grand Final on the line.
The winner of the Semi Final will progress to face either Wellington Phoenix or Brisbane Roar in next weekend’s decider, with City looking to continue what has already been another history-making campaign following our third consecutive Premiers Plate.
Matricciani has named a largely unchanged extended squad for the clash, with no confirmed omissions from last weekend’s First Leg.
There is one addition, with Danella Butrus coming into the extended squad after missing the First Leg following a concussion suffered while away on international duty last month. The 19-year-old winger will continue to be assessed in the lead-up to Saturday.
City will again be without Izabella Rako, Kaya Jugovic and Keira Sarris due to international duty, while Chinaza Uchendu is out for the remainder of the season through suspension.
ALW Semi Final Second Leg Extended Squad
2. Ellie WILSON, 3. Danielle TURNER, 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 7. Danella BUTRUS, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 11. Deven JACKSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14. Laura HUGHES, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 25. Ayana AOYAGI (GK).
In: 7. Danella BUTRUS (returns from injury).
Out: Nil.
Unavailable: 10. Izabella RAKO (international duty), 15. Chinaza UCHENDU (suspension), 17. Kaya JUGOVIC, 19. Keira SARRIS (both international duty).
