Melbourne City FC will be looking to return to winning ways when Patrick Kisnorbo’s side face Adelaide United at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday. Here’s all you need to know about the clash…
See you at Lakeside Stadium!
We’re back at home, with a slight difference! Saturday’s W-League clash against Adelaide United has been moved from CB Smith Reserve to Lakeside Stadium.
Kick-off is still scheduled for 5:00 pm, so make sure you get down and see Matildas stars Steph Catley, Lydia Williams, Kyah Simon, Alanna Kennedy and Larissa Crummer take on the Reds for an important three points.
Tickets are only $10 for adults, $5 for juniors and $20 for families. Get your tickets at the gate!
For those playing at home, you can also keep up with all the action as it happens by following our official Twitter account @MelbCityWFC.
Set the scene for me…
Following a scintillating performance against the Newcastle Jets in Round 3, City were dealt a blow going down 3-2 to Sydney FC in Round 4.
Patrick Kisnorbo’s side took the lead twice against Sydney, but were ultimately denied as the Sky Blues snatched all three points with a stoppage time winner courtesy of Remy Siemsen.
City’s timely Round 5 bye coincided with international duty, as five players represented the Matildas including Steph Catley, Lydia Williams, Kyah Simon, Alanna Kennedy and Larissa Crummer.
But with a week off for the remainder of the squad, there is no doubt there will be a burning desire to rectify their Round 4 reverse in Sydney.
Williams and Simon are both coming off outstanding performances for the Matildas, with the latter extending her rich run of league form with a spectacular goal against China during a prominent display from midfield.
With two goals from four matches this season, Simon sits second in the league for chances created (13) after establishing herself as the creative fulcrum in the final third.
WOW! What a STUNNING goal from @KyahSimon ???
?: Watch the game LIVE on @FOXFOOTBALL 501 and @SBS. #AUSvCHN #GoMatildas pic.twitter.com/v1CWCPLpG7
— Westfield Matildas (@TheMatildas) November 26, 2017
Williams made several world-class saves to deny the Steel Roses in Geelong and her presence between the posts will breed confidence, while Jess Fishlock’s return to the squad is also a massive boost for City.
Fresh from leading her country to two crucial World Cup qualifying wins, the Welsh star netted a brace in her last league appearance against Newcastle and will lead a threatening attack that has fired 73 shots on goal this season.
Rhali Dobson has made a significant impact off the bench with two assists this season, while Crummer is back to her sparkling best with three goals and 10 chances created.
City’s desire to play out from the back is reflected in the number of passes played by their defenders, Barnes (301), Kinga (267), Jackson (263), Catley (252) and Kennedy (251) make up the top-5 for passes in the competition.
For Kisnorbo’s side, the aim will be to translate dominance in possession into goals on the scoreboard against an Adelaide side desperate to keep their season alive. The Reds have only registered one win for the season, albeit a big one against league leaders Perth Glory in Round 3.
Top scorer Makenzy Doniak stole the show with a hat-trick in that encounter – her treble representing three of the Reds’ five goals this season – with the result a clear indication that Ivan Karlovic’s side are capable of beating any team in the competition.
City are currently fifth on the table with only three points separating them from top spot, making Sunday’s result all the more important as the league table begins to take shape.
What’s the team news?
City’s midfield stocks have received a massive boost with the return of Championship winning midfielder Aivi Luik, who commenced training earlier in the week after completing a successful stint in Norway with Valerenga.
Lydia Williams is set to regain her place between the posts after missing the Round 4 clash against Sydney, while midfield star Jess Fishlock is also back after returning from international duty with Wales.
Goalkeeper Emily Shields has resumed light training duties as she continues her recovery from a wrist injury.
Welcome back, Aivi!
She's only just returned to Melbourne but Aivi Luik has her sights set on Sunday's clash against Adelaide United at Lakeside Stadium ?
? Full video: https://t.co/ndWNRubVj2 pic.twitter.com/XWlhHCDdNs
— Melbourne City Women (@MelbCityWFC) December 1, 2017
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 6
Sunday 2 December 2017
Melbourne City FC vs Adelaide United
Venue: Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park
Kick-off: 5:00pm (AEDT)
Melbourne City FC: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (GK), 2. Yukari KINGA, 3. Lauren BARNES, 4. Ashley HATCH, 5. Lia MULDEARY, 6. Aivi LUIK, 7. Steph CATLEY (C), 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Jess FISHLOCK 11. Rhali DOBSON, 13. Rebekah STOTT, 14. Alanna KENNEDY, 15. Amy JACKSON, 16. Sofia SAKALIS, 17. Kyah SIMON, 19. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC, 23. Melissa HUDSON (GK)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 1. Lydia WILLIAMS (GK) (promoted), 6. Aivi LUIK (re-signing), 10. Jess FISHLOCK (returns from international duty).
Outs: 18. Hayley RICHMOND (omitted), 30. Emily KENSHOLE (GK) (omitted)
Unavailable: 20. Emily SHIELDS (wrist – indefinite)
