This weekend, Melbourne Victory heads to Wanderers Football Park in a crucial match, where securing a victory is essential to keep their Premiership aspirations alive for the season.
Currently sitting second on the ladder, Victory trails rivals Melbourne City by five points, although they do have a game in hand.
While the rest of the Ninja A-League teams enjoy a break for the FIFA International window, Western Sydney and Victory will face off on Sunday, March 6, after their previous match was postponed due to extreme heat.
With only three matches remaining in the season, Melbourne Victory is likely required to win all of them if they hope to surpass Melbourne City in the Premiership race.
Following this weekend’s encounter with Western Sydney, Victory will take on finals-contending Central Coast (away) and Brisbane Roar (home) before entering the Finals Series.
Additionally, one player with personal accolades to strive for this weekend is Victory striker Emily Gielnik. After being overlooked for the latest CommBank Matildas squad, she will be keen to extend her lead in the chase for the Golden Boot.
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On the other side, Geoff Abrahams’s Wanderers are bottom of the league and are desperate to avoid the wooden spoon in the upcoming matches.
Having lost their last three games in the Ninja A-League, the Wanderers currently sit five points behind Newcastle, although they have played one game fewer than the Jets.
Despite this challenging patch, the home team can take comfort from their last encounter with Victory, where they managed to score four goals, leading to a thrilling 4-4 draw.
Moreover, 2023-24 Julie Dolan Medal recipient Sophie Harding might be set to make her start against Victory after making two substitute appearances since her recovery from a hip injury that sidelined her since January.
Keep reading for comprehensive team news ahead of the weekend’s match:
Western Sydney Wanderers vs Melbourne Victory
Sunday, 6th March – Wanderers Football Park – 5pm AEST
MATCH CENTRE | BUY TICKETS | HOW TO WATCH
Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 3. Gemma FERRIS, 5. Milly BENNETT, 6. Amy CHESSARI, 7. Amy HARRISON (C), 8. Olivia PRICE, 9. Sophie HARDING, 10. Sienna SAVESKA, 11. Danika MATOS, 12. Bronte TREW, 13. Talia KAPETANELLIS, 14. Ella BUCHANAN, 15. Cushla RUE, 17. Milly CASSAR, 19. Talia YOUNIS, 20. Sham KHAMIS, 23. Maya LOBO, 31. Keely SEGAVCIC, 37. Ena HARADA
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 13. Talia KAPETANELLIS, 17. Milly CASSAR
Outs: Nil
Melbourne Victory squad: 2. Ellie WILSON, 4. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 8. Alana MURPHY, 9. Holly FURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON, 22. Ava BRIEDIS, 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
(Two to be omitted)
Ins: 2. Ellie WILSON
Outs: 3. Claudia BUNGE (international duty)
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
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