Melbourne Victory Women head across the West Gate Bridge to face Western United on Saturday, March 1.
Comfortably defeating Western United 4-1 at the Home of the Matildas earlier this season, Victory travel west to Ironbark Fields for an important Westgate Derby clash.
Melbourne Victory:
Prior to the international break, Victory successfully extended their six-game undefeated streak with a convincing 2-0 win over the Central Coast Mariners.
Two first-half goals from Emily Gielnik gave Victory a crucial advantage, while Jeff Hopkins’ side put in a defensive performance that displayed why Victory currently leads the league in clean sheets kept.
Scoring a first-half hat-trick in Victory’s previous meeting against Western United, Gielnik will certainly aim to continue her form in front of goal – currently leading the Golden Boot race with nine goals in the Ninja A-League.
Victory will be eager to add to their points total on Saturday, currently set in second place on the league ladder as they continue their pursuit of Melbourne City in the top spot.
Round 16 Squad:
2. Ellie WILSON, 3. Claudia BUNGE, 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, 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Ins: Nil
Outs: Nil
Western United:
The 2024/25 campaign has been up and down for Western United, struggling to maintain a consistent run of results at any point of the season.
Despite this, the Green and Black find themselves placed fourth on the table – although have played an extra game more than most teams in the league.
One thing Kat Smith’s side certainly has seen this season is goals, scoring 30 goals (third most in the league) while conceding 34 (second most in the league).
The recent departure of their top goalscorer Kahli Johnson will certainly pose a challenge for the home side on Saturday – tasked with finding a replacement to lead the line against Victory’s league-leading defensive line.
