Melbourne Victory Women take on the Newcastle Jets at the Home of the Matildas on Friday, March 21.
Following a late fixture update that saw Victory’s impending clash against the Western Sydney Wanderers postponed to a future date, Jeff Hopkins’ side will draw their attention back home to take on the Jets.
Defeating the Jets on their home turf 2-0 back in January, Victory will be determined to continue their strong head-to-head record against the Novocastrians.
Melbourne Victory:
Forced into a weekend out of action due to the boiling Western Sydney conditions, Victory returns back home to what is forecasted to be a much cooler temperature in Bundoora.
Approaching the last stretch of the Ninja A-League season, Victory has been the in-form team of the competition in the push for the Premiership.
Undefeated in their last eight games while winning on six of those occasions – with both draws coming away from home – Victory consistency and solidity has made them a top side this season.
This has especially been the case when Victory has had hosting responsibilities, claiming 13 out of a possible 15 points in home games since the new year.
Leading the league in clean sheets and fewest goals conceded, along with possessing the league’s tied top goalscorer in Emily Gielnik – Victory will persist in their quest of catching and overtaking Melbourne City’s top spot with five remaining games.
Round 20 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
Newcastle Jets
Sat 11th on the ladder following a 1-4 defeat at the hands of the Western Sydney Wanderers in Round 16, the Newcastle Jets have since put together an important string of results in the dying hopes of grasping a finals spot.
Recording back-to-back home wins over Perth Glory and Sydney FC, the Jets enjoyed a third straight W after an impressive 3-2 away win over Brisbane Roar.
As such, the Jets are now sat in 9th place – five points adrift from the top six with four games remaining.
Extending their winning streak will certainly be challenged in travelling to the Home of the Matildas to face Victory, historically struggling against the Navy Blues.
Suffering nine defeats in their last 10 meetings against Victory and recording their last win against the Melburnians away from home back in 2017 – the Jets will aim to turn around a troubled recent history on Friday.
