Following last week’s draw with Newcastle, Perth will be looking to return to winning ways against Melbourne Victory.
The Jets may have snapped Glory’s 5-game winning streak, but the girls will be determined to make the most of their second home fixture in succession in a bid to return to the summit of the Westfield W-League.
Victory are coming off their first win of the 2016/2016 season, with their resounding 4-1 win over Brisbane lifting the Melbourne outfit off the bottom of the ladder.
Last time the two sides met it was a comfortable 2-0 win for Perth that included an absolute screamer from American midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo and a tidy volley from Rosie Sutton.Â
It’s sure to be an entertaining encounter with Victory looking to build on their maiden triumph of the campaign and Glory determined to continue their stunning form.
Key Battle: Sam Kerr v Natasha Dowie
The two pace-setters for this year’s Golden Boot go head-to-head at Dorrien Gardens this Sunday in what could prove a crucial moment in the top scoring race. Kerr was sitting safely atop the goalscoring charts (8 goals) before Round 10 having scored a brace against Melbourne City in the previous match, but Natasha Dowie’s hat-trick for Victory against Roar saw the England international equal the Matilda’s tally in their first win of the season. The outcome of the game could hinge on the performances of these two prolific stars.
Star: Vanessa DiBernardo
The last outing between these two sides included a strong contender for goal of the season courtesy of American import Vanessa DiBernardo. Her strike from outside the box rocketed into the top corner and ensured Glory took all three points home from the Eastern states. The number 10 will be looking to put her missed penalty against the Jets behind her and repeat her Round 5 heroics by slotting her third of the season this Sunday.
One-to-Watch: Melissa Maizels
It would be such a fitting return to action for the keeper, as Maizels has been sidelined ever since the Round 5 encounter with Victory back in the first week of December. The shot-stopper has been working tirelessly at training despite the finger injury and is chomping at the bit to get back on the pitch. Hopefully, this week is the week she marks her long-awaited return from injury, but she will have to displace Gabrielle Dal Busco, who has been superb in her place.
MATCH DETAILS:
Sunday, 8th January
Perth Glory v Newcastle Jets
Venue: Dorrien Gardens
Kick-Off:Â 4:00PMÂ (AWST) 7:00PM (AEST)
Referee:Â Kate Jacewicz
Assistant Referee 1:Â Arvin Shanmuganathan
Assistant Referee 2:Â Shane Skinner
Fourth Official:Â Tom Dowle
SQUADS:
Perth Glory Squad: 1. Melissa MAIZELS (GK), 2.Sarah CARROLL, 3. Kim CARROLL, 4. Alyssa MAUTZ, 5. Patricia CHARALAMBOUS, 6. Carla BENNETT, 7. Nicole STANTON, 8. Shawn BILLAM, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 10. Vanessa DIBERNARDO, 13. JAYMEE GIBBONS, 17. Natasha RIGBY, 18. Gabby DAL BUSCO (GK), 20.Samantha KERR (C), 22. Arianna ROMERO
Ins:Â 6. Carla Bennett (promoted)
Outs:Â 14. Caitlin DOEGLAS (not selected)
Unavailable:Â Nil
Melbourne Victory:Â
Melbourne Victory Squad:Â 1. Bianca HENNINGER (GK), 2. Alexandra NATOLI, 3. Alex CHEAL, 5. Alexandra GUMMER, 6. Annabel MARTIN, 7. Lia PRIVITELLI, 8. Ayesha NORRIE, 9. Natasha DOWIE, 10. Christine NAIRN (C), 11. Melinda J BARBIERI, 13. Laura SPIRANOVIC, 15. Adriana TARANTO, 16. Samantha JOHNSON, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 19. Rachel ALONSO, 20. Bethany MASON-JONES (GK), 25. Kariah WHITE
**two to be omitted**
Ins:Â 3. Alex CHEAL (promoted), 19. Rachel ALONSO (promoted)
Outs:Â Nil
Unavailable: 4. Melissa TARANTO (knee – season), 14. Selin KURALAY (knee – season)
