Women’s Match Preview: Top Four Clash v Sydney

Melbourne Victory face a major obstacle this Thursday when they welcome Sydney FC to AAMI Park in a match with significant implications for the finals race.

Victory are coming off the back of an impressive 2-1 come-from-behind win against Adelaide United over the weekend.

The result means Victory have extended their lead over Adelaide, who currently occupy fifth place, to five points.

However, they face an even greater task against Sydney this week, with both sides level on 18 points heading into the game.

A rematch of the previous two Grand Finals, very little has separated Victory and Sydney in recent seasons.

Although Jeff Hopkins’ side prevailed in both Grand Finals, Victory will be intent on translating those performances against the Sky Blues to the regular season.

Thursday’s game also presents the defending Champions with the chance to extend their current unbeaten run to nine games, having not lost since their previous meeting with Sydney back in Round 2.

Alex Chidiac is in a purple patch of form and may yet again prove to be the key coming up against the stingiest defence in the A-League Women’s competition.

Recent history against Sydney FC

Two Grand Final wins highlight the list of recent encounters for Victory, although Sydney have proven themselves to be worthy adversaries on several occasions.

2022/23, November 26: Sydney 2-0 Victory
2021/22, March 27 (GF): Sydney 1-2 Victory
2021/22, February 16: Victory 2-2 Sydney
2020/21, April 11 (GF): Sydney 0-1 Victory
2020/21, March 31: Sydney 2-1 Victory

Melbourne Victory Squad

1.Casey DUMONT, 2. Tiffany ELIADIS, 3.Claudia BUNGE, 5.Jessika NASH, 6.Beattie GOAD, 8.Alana MURPHY, 10.Alex CHIDIAC, 11.Natalie TATHEM, 13.Sarah ROWE, 15.Amy JACKSON, 16.Paige ZOIS, 17.Maja MARKOVSKI 18.Kayla MORRISON, 19.Lia PRIVITELLI, 20.Miranda TEMPLEMAN, 21.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 22.Ava BRIEDIS, 23.Emily KOS, 25.Rikke MADSEN, 26.Anna LIACOPOULOS

In: 22.Ava BRIEDIS (promoted), 23.Emily KOS (promoted), 26.Anna LIACOPOULOS (promoted)

Out: nil

Unavailable: 7.Gema SIMON (injured), 9.Catherine ZIMMERMAN (inured), 14.Melina AYRES (injured)

Match Details

Liberty A-League
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Thursday 26 January
Kick-off: 4:05pm (AEDT)
AAMI Park, Melbourne