After a 10-day break between games, top of the table Melbourne City will return to the pitch in the A-League Women this Sunday afternoon.
City enjoyed an extended break after three matches in 10 days, but is now faced with another three fixtures in an even shorter timeframe.
First up our City Women will be looking to extend their win streak to three matches when they travel to take on Western Sydney.
Last time out saw a hard-fought 1-0 win over Perth Glory thanks to an Emina Ekic second half penalty.
Although City had the ball for large parts of the game, finishing with 72% possession, it was only able to generate four shots on target on a warm Melbourne night.
Given the squads now fresh after the break, Dario Vidosic will be hoping to see his team full of energy on Sunday afternoon.
One player who unfortunately won’t be out there is Ekic after she fractured her fibula just minutes after scoring what was ultimately the winner against Perth.
Vidosic has been very consistent with his line-ups so far this season, but now will face a big call on who he brings into the XI to replace the American.
Rhianna Pollicina will almost certainly return to the starting line-up this weekend, so a change of shape to allow her, Leticia McKenna and Daniella Galic to all play in the same XI could be an option.
There also may be the potential for a change at the back, with Matildas duo Karly Roestbakken and Emma Checker now fully fit and firing.
The Wanderers have struggled in front of goal this season having scored an equal league-worst three goals. Although they remain winless after six matches, they were able to pick up their first point of the season earlier this week in Wellington.
Vidosic and his City squad of course won’t be taking them lightly, but will again be looking to dominate the possession and create plenty of goal-scoring chances.
After making her first appearance of the season against Perth, Hannah Wilkinson will be eyeing off her first goal of the season. The New Zealand international currently sits on 14 goals for the club, just three behind Jess Fishlock’s City Women’s record of 17.
Match Details
Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City FC
Sunday 8 January, 4:00pm kick-off
Wanderers Football Park
Live on 10play and Paramount+
