A third win in a row beckons for Canberra United this weekend as they head to Bunbury to face Perth Glory in Round 12 of the Westfield W-League.
Wins over Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers in the past two rounds have re-ignited finals hopes, and brought United right within touching distance of the top four.
This week will be a test though for the side as they face another team fighting to keep their finals aspirations alive, with the Glory coming off a home loss to Sydney FC last week that saw them drop quickly out of the top four.
But they still pose a threat, particularly with the deadly duo of Sam Kerr and Rachel Hill in the forward line. With United posting a formidable trio of Michelle Heyman, Elise Thorsnes and Ashleigh Sykes as well, Head Coach Heather Garriock admitted on Thursday that the match will likely come down to an attacking battle.
“I think Perth are quality, obviously Sam Kerr is one of the best players in the World,” she said.
“The key will be sticking to our game plan, and playing our own game.
“I think it will come down to stopping the gun forwards. Realistically whoever finishes their chances is going to win the game.”
Garriock has essentially the same squad to choose from as last week, with no new injuries coming out of the clash with Wanderers. Grace Maher was fielded at left-back in a new role with Ellie Carpenter back in midfield, and Garriock may look for a similar setup after Carpenter’s success in the middle of the park thus far.
United will be also looking to momentum as a key weapon this time out, coming off the back of two home wins and riding the wave of scoring eight goals in those matches.
The travel will test the side, but with an extra day in Perth before the game to settle down, United will be ready and raring to go as they look to make their stamp on a top four that is anyone’s game.
Match Details
Saturday, 20 January 2018
Perth Glory v Canberra United
Hay Park, Bunbury
Kick-Off: 4:30pm (Local) (7:30pm AEDT)
Referee: Katie Patterson
Assistant Referee 1: Arvin Shanmuganathan
Assistant Referee 2: Adrien Liechti
Fourth Official: Josh Mannella
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #PERvCBR
Perth Glory Squad: 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3.Kim CARROLL, 4.Natasha RIGBY, 5.Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 7.Nicole STANTON, 8.Shawn BILLAM, 9.Rachel HILL, 10.Raquel RODRIGUEZ, 12.Shannon MAY, 13.Jaymee GIBBONS, 15.Alexia MORENO,16.Amanda FRISBIE, 17.Marianna TABAIN, 18.Melissa MAIZELS (Gk), 20.Samantha KERR (c), 30.Morgan AQUINO (Gk)
**one to be omitted**
Ins: 2.Sarah CARROLL (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 1.Gabby DAL BUSCO (Gk) (arm – 1-2 weeks)
Canberra United Squad: 1.Haley KOPMEYER (Gk), 3.Clare HUNT, 4.Toni PRESSLEY, 6.Caitlin MUNOZ, 8.Liana DANASKOS, 10.Grace MAHER, 11.Elise THORSNES, 14.Ashleigh SYKES, 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 18.Taren KING, 20.Amy SAYER, 21.Ellie CARPENTER, 23.Michelle HEYMAN, 34.Laura BASSETT, 36,Georgia BORIC (Gk)
Ins: 6.Caitlin MUNOZ (promoted), 16.Karly ROESTBAKKEN (promoted)
Outs: 17.Madelyn WHITTALL (Not Selected), 19.Aoife COLVILL (omitted)
Unavailable: 7.Nicki FLANNERY (foot – indefinite)
This match will not be streamed or Broadcast, so follow along on Twitter @canberraunited, and using the Hashtag #PERvCBR as we chase three points out West.
