Melbourne Victory Women will kick off our double-header at CommBank Stadium against the Western Sydney Wanderers on Sunday, March 16.
Amid a three-game winning streak, Victory will be keen to extend their hot form in the West of Sydney.
Battling out a thrilling 4-4 draw at the Home of the Matildas in their previous meeting this season, clashes between the Wanderers and Victory have historically proven to see plenty of goals scored.
Melbourne Victory:
Putting an end to Canberra United’s undefeated streak with a convincing 2-0 win at the Home of the Matildas, Victory has enjoyed a great run of form as they pursue the Ninja A-League’s top spot.
Holly Furphy opened the scoring for Victory in the 70th minute off the bench – scoring in her second consecutive match, while Emily Gielnik sealed the win with an excellent header in the 83rd minute.
This was Gielnik’s 10th goal of the 2024/25 campaign, becoming the only player in the league to record double digits in goals scored this season.
The return of Alana Murphy from Matildas duty was certainly a notable addition to the side, playing all 90 minutes in the middle of the park and assisting Gielnik’s header with a pinpoint corner delivery.
While Victory were happy with their performance on the offensive end, the defensive unit once again proved their ability to keep out the visitors.
It was the eighth clean sheet the girls in Navy Blue have kept this season – the most recorded in the league this season, while also conceding the tied least amount of goals alongside Melbourne City.
Entering Saturday’s hitout, Jeff Hopkins’ side remains undefeated in their last eight outings, recording an impressive six wins during this period.
Trailing just two points behind league-leaders Melbourne City, Victory will aim to claim as many points as possible in their remaining five fixtures while they push for the Premiership.
Round 19 Squad:
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, 22. Ava BRIEDIS, 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
Unavailable: Nil
Western Sydney Wanderers
Sat in 11th place, nine points adrift from the league’s top six – the Wanderers’ finals chances appear very slim as they approach their remaining five games.
Following their remarkable comeback to seal a point at the Home of the Matildas back in early January, a disappointing five-game losing streak largely derailed the Wanderers’ hopes for a finals appearance.
Hopes had returned as the Wanderers enjoyed an impressive three-game winning streak during February, but a tough loss away to Wellington Phoenix put an end to a promising run for Geoff Abrahams’ side.
The standout talent for her side this season, 18-year-old Sienna Saveska will certainly be a player to watch for the Red and Black – scoring seven goals this season including an impressive strike against Victory.
