Melbourne Victory Women will return to the Home of the Matildas to face Perth Glory on Saturday, January 18.
Returning to Melbourne from an impressive 2-0 win against the Newcastle Jets in their previous fixture, Victory will aim to continue their winning ways on the weekend.
Victory enters the game with a solid head-to-head record with the Glory, having beaten the Western Australian side four times and lost just once in their encounters since 2021.
Melbourne Victory:
After a busy period that saw Victory play three games in just seven days in three different states, Jeff Hopkins’ side will enjoy a return to normality without midweek games.
The game against the Glory will also be the first of three consecutive games Victory will play in Melbourne. This is a well-needed rest from all the travelling, which has seen the team play interstate six times in their last eight games.
Victory’s win over Newcastle will certainly provide the squad with a massive boost heading into Saturday. It ended a brief two-game winless streak and saw yet another clean sheet kept by the defensive line.
While it was an excellent all-around team performance in Newcastle, Sara D’Appolonia’s two-assist performance in midfield made her a particular standout and undoubtedly a player to watch going forward.
Emily Gielnik’s opening goal in the game also saw her jump to the top of the Golden Boot race, while forward Rachel Lowe was able to open her scoring account for the season.
Victory will no doubt keep an eye on the top spots heading into the weekend, tied on points with second-placed Brisbane Roar heading into Round 12.
Perth Glory:
Making the big flight across the country, Perth Glory will be eager to get a result after a difficult start to the season.
Glory are currently sat 10th on the Ninja A-League Women’s ladder and winless in their last four outings.
A notable concern for Perth will be their lack of success on the road, still without a win away from home this season.
Goal scoring has been a difficulty for Stephen Peter’s side so far, managing to find the back of the net 11 times this season (2nd least in the league).
Despite their difficulties in scoring, Victory will ultimately face a test up against legendary goalkeeper, Casey Dumont – a player who enjoyed great success during her stint in Navy Blue.
Round 12 Squad:
2. Ellie WILSON, 3. Claudia BUNGE, 4. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 8. Alana MURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON, 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 25. Leyla HUSSEIN, 27. Rosie CURTIS, 41. Jessica YOUNG, 50. Courtney NEWBON, 62. Geo CANDY, 66. Alana JANCEVSKI
Ins: 25. Leyla HUSSEIN
Outs: 22. Ava BRIEDIS
Unavailable: nil
Match Details:
Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory
Saturday 18 January
6:00pm AEDT
Home of The Matildas, Bundoora VIC
Broadcast: Paramount+ How To Watch
