Melbourne City FC will aim to return to the winner’s list when Patrick Kisnorbo’s side face Canberra United in a blockbuster Star Wars double header at AAMI Park on Sunday. Here’s everything you need to know about the Semi Final rematch…
See you at AAMI Park!
Don’t miss our third double header of the season! See our Women take on Canberra United in a crucial clash at 4:30pm, before our Men’s side take on the Central Coast Mariners in a massive A-League game at 7:00pm.
Set the scene for me…
Another W-League blockbuster awaits fans at AAMI Park on Sunday. City will be looking to make amends for last week’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Adelaide United when they face Heather Garriock’s Canberra United.
It was a dominant display from Patrick Kisnorbo’s side against the Reds, which saw them create multiple chances but lack the finishing product. An array of missed opportunities ultimately came back to haunt City when United equalised in the 73rd minute through Alyssa Mautz.
The clash against the Reds saw City play some of the finest attacking football that has been on display this season, but in order to bounce back Kisnorbo’s side will need to start putting away the chances they create.
American Ashley Hatch opened her goal-scoring account for the club and was unlucky not to score multiple goals in a dominant display from the City winger.
Yukari Kinga continues to impress, paired with Jess Fishlock, with the duo imperative as the catalysts to City’s attacking play.
It was another impressive display from Kyah Simon, with the 26-year-old creating seven chances – she now leads the competition for chances created (20). Simon’s creativity combined with her football smarts continues to trouble defenders and create opportunities for her teammates.
The defensive unit continues to move from strength to strength for City. Alanna Kennedy’s presence in the heart of defence, paired with her ability to read the play and distribute the ball, has been vital to Kisnorbo’s side, as has been Steph Catley’s attacking threat from left-back.
Canberra United currently sit third on the league table ahead of City in fifth place, with only two points separating the two W-League heavyweights ahead of another titanic encounter.
Following an impressive 3-2 win over Perth Glory in Round 5, Canberra suffered a 1-0 loss to Brisbane Roar at home last week.
Sunday’s clash has a bit of added spice with both sides meeting for the first time since last season’s pulsating Semi Final, where Jess Fishlock’s extra time winner sent City to the Grand Final, and a second consecutive Championship trophy.
What’s the team news?
It’s an unchanged match day squad for City, with Patrick Kisnorbo’s side boasting a near clean bill of health.
Goalkeeper Emily Shields is the only absentee as she continues to progress in her recovery from a wrist injury.
Key Stats
- Melbourne City FC have won three of their four clashes against Canberra United, netting eight goals and conceding five.
- The last time they met, City won 10 in extra-time to secure a spot in the Grand Final.
- Melbourne City FC have five of the top six players in the competition for passing in the opposition half.
Match Details
Westfield W-League Round 7
Sunday 10 December 2017
Melbourne City FC vs Canberra United
Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 4:30pm (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: 5.Lia MULDEARY (promoted), 16.Sofia SAKALIS (promoted)
Outs: nil
Unavailable: 20.Emily SHIELDS (wrist – indefinite)
