Match details
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Cromer Park Saturday, November 26, 2022
Kick-off: 3:00pm AEST
Broadcast: 10Play, Paramount+
Preview
Melbourne Victory head to Cromer Park this weekend to take on Sydney FC in a rematch of last season’s Grand Final.
Victory’s 2-1 win back in March secured their second consecutive Championship crown at the expense of the Sky Blues.
On Saturday afternoon, the two most dominant sides in the A-League Women’s competition in recent years will meet once again with a significant three points on the line.
Both teams come into the game off the back of losses in round one, mounting the pressure on both to get their campaigns up and running.
Victory fell short against Western United in what was Western’s inaugural A-League Women’s game, with Jessica McDonald’s goal early in the second half proving decisive.
The result was a frustrating one for Victory, who struggled to implement their usual play-style in challenging conditions.
Nonetheless, Victory will be confident that the sluggish start to the season can be quickly overcome.
Head coach Jeff Hopkins gave four players their Victory debuts last week, which combined with returns of Beattie Goad, Natalie Tathem and Kayla Morrison, means an adjustment phase to start the new campaign was inevitable.
Still, the brief nature of an A-League Women’s season means Victory must start picking up points sooner rather than later.
The game against Sydney will be viewed as a prime opportunity to do just that, with the potential to condemn the reigning Premiers to back-to-back losses an added incentive.
Sydney will offer a stern test though, with their back-to-back Premierships attesting to their quality and consistency.
Victory though will take confidence from their strong recent record against Ante Juric’s side, winning two and drawing one of the previous three clashes (including two Grand Final wins).
Player in focus
Catherine Zimmerman scored in both meetings with the Sky Blues last season.
The American has been a prolific goalscorer over recent years, with her seven goals last season more than anyone else in the team.
Zimmerman could prove vital in finding a way through a stubborn Sydney defence, and after Victory failed to find the back of the net last weekend, she will no doubt be eager to open the club’s account for the new season this Saturday.
Last time
Sydney FC 1-2 Melbourne Victory
March 27, 2022
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Head to head
2021/22 GF (Mar 27): Sydney 1-2 Victory
2021/22 (Feb 16): Victory 2-2 Sydney
2020/21 GF (Apr 11): Sydney 0-1 Victory
2020/21 (Mar 31): Sydney 2-1 Victory
2019/20 SF (Mar 14): Victory 0-1 Sydney
