Canberra United will look to snap a two-game losing streak when they take on Sydney FC at Allianz Stadium on Friday night. Losses to Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City in recent weeks have seen United fall out of the top four, and they will aim to make up ground here against a Sydney side who have won two in a row.
The visitors will be without Season 9 Golden Boot winner Ashleigh Sykes as she continues to battle an ankle injury suffered in the loss to Brisbane Roar two weeks ago, but will see Nicki Flannery return to the fold after she missed last weekend’s trip to Melbourne through illness.
Caitlin Munoz and Amy Sayer also miss the trip to Sydney as Heather Garriock shuffles her midfield to compete with the experienced Sydney outfit, while Clare Hunt is in once again after returning from a long absence last weekend.
The last time these sides met United pulled out an improbable 3-2 victory at McKellar Park after trailing until late, but a more disciplined approach will be needed here. Two penalties hurt United in that match as they allowed Sydney to take control, and doing that on the road could spell disaster for the travelling side.
Flannery’s speed and touch will be a big danger to a Sydney defence that has kept only one clean sheet this season, while United’s leading scorer Michelle Heyman will also be on the prowl.
Heyman scored twice against Sydney in the clash earlier this year, but she will also aim to bring strike partner Elise Thorsnes into the game, who is searching for her first league goal.
With both sides level on points, this is a huge chance for either club to make a jump into the top four, dependent on other results, and stake their claim over the other for finals football.
Friday, 15th December 2017
Sydney FC v Canberra United
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick-Off: 5:20pm (Local) (5:20pm (AEDT))
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 501 from 5:00pm (AEDT) and SBS VICELAND from 5:00 (AEDT)
Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #SYDvCBR
To purchase tickets visit www.w-league.com.au/tickets
Squad |
1. Haley KOPMEYER (GK), 3. Clare HUNT, 4. Toni PRESSLEY, 7. Nicki FLANNERY, 8. Liana DANASKOS, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Elise THORSNES, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Maddy WHITTALL, 18. Taren KING, 19. Aoife COLVILL, 21. Ellie CARPENTER, 23. Michelle HEYMAN (C), 34. Laura BASSETT, 36. Georgia BORIC
