Melbourne City’s incredible start to the season continued on the weekend with a convincing 2-0 win over Adelaide United, which made it five straight victories in 2015.
Their opponents this weekend Brisbane started in similarly impressive fashion, claiming wins over Canberra United and Western Sydney Wanderers in the first two rounds.
But the next three rounds saw the Roar falter, losing 2-1 to Adelaide United and 2-0 to Perth, with a bye sandwiched in between the two results.
They’d have much preferred an easier fixture to help break their barren run, but will have to battle against the juggernaut that is City.
Working in their favour is one of the countries best midfielders in Katrina Gorry, who’ll be looking to pull the strings for the visitors.
The questions through the City camp will be how coach Joe Montemurro keeps his charges in check given their blistering start to the season.
Selection News
There’s little in the way of team news this week, with Montemurro resisting the urge to tinker with his unbeaten line-up, with just the one forced change made this week.
In comes young winger Melina Ayres, at the expense of Jess Fishlock who misses with Welsh international duties.
Brianna Davey was forced to bide her time on the pine last week in her return from injury, but given Trudy Burke’s consistent start to the W-League season, she may have to settle for another week waiting in the wings.
Lisa De Vanna has served half of her two-week suspension for her high arm against Canberra United’s Nicole Begg a fortnight ago and misses once more for City.
Fullback Monique Iannella continues her recovery from the knee injury that’s kept her out all season.
Key Players
Beattie Goad
The bench on Sunday afternoon will most likely consist of three players all capable of playing in Goad’s left wing position, so if she does get the call-up to replace Jess Fishlock in the starting line-up, she’ll have to be on form to best showcase herself for a consistent starting berth. We know how dangerous she can be with the ball at feet, and will most likely tuck inside and provide strong foil for the attacking threats of Larissa Crummer and Kim Little.
Aivi Luik
The aforementioned threat of Katrina Gorry is one that will have to be suitably managed by the deeper midfield pairing of Amy Jackson and Aivi Luik. Expect both to deploy a hard pressing game as they look to limit the time and space that the Matilda has to work on the ball.
Predicted line-up
Subs: Brianna Davey (GK), Alex Chidiac, Melina Ayres, Anisa Guajardo
Predicted score
Brisbane to go four weeks without a point, City to continue pillaging through the W-League competition. 3-0 City