Caitlin Foord in action for Perth Glory  (Photo: Emily Mogic Photography)

It’s has been a while since W-League Season 7 and both Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory will be eager to take the maximum three points from this dangerous opening encounter at Broadmeadows Valley Park in Melbourne on Saturday.

Melbourne Victory made it as far as the semi finals last season, ultimately losing to eventual champions Canberra United on penalties. A very bitter pill to swallow, but they were outplayed on the day in a tough example of finals football.

On the other hand, for last season’s premiers Perth Glory, this will be the first match on their road to redemption following last season’s Grand Final loss to Canberra United (3-1). That match is possibly one they would like to forget - or rewrite entirely.

Victory have had a significantly restless off/pre-season, with well documented upheaval throughout their structure including players, coaches and administration. This match is an opportunity to calm the storm. There’s a lot to play for and a strong start will help them immensely.

Midfielder Christine Nairn has returned to Victory and expectations will be high for her and her Washington Spirit teammate, Hayley Raso, to combine and drive the ball through the Glory defence.

This will also be the first opportunity for many to see new and returning players. Ex Matildas’ teammates Thea Slatyer and Melissa Barbieri are expected to be heavily engaged in battle with Perth’s attacking forces.

Coming off the most dominant season ever in W-League history, Perth Glory were superb but finished agonizingly short of the biggest prize.

This time around, Mackenzie Arnold in goals will be a force as will Perth Glory’s wizards, Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord, whose pace and skill will be exhilarating to watch. With Kate Gill missing from the Glory squad, a replacement “go to scorer” role could be in Kerr’s talented hands (or feet).

With lineups yet to be confirmed, the opposing midfields in this match are predicted to tell a very important tale. If Nairn and co. are able to control the tempo and distribution, Glory can expect a Raso revelation. But if Kerr and Foord gain the upper hand Victory will have plenty of problems to contend with.

Round 1 matches are notoriously hideous for Melbourne Victory. You have to look as far back as October 2011 for the last time they won or took any points for that matter. Interestingly, that match was against Perth Glory with Victory winning 2-0.

Glory, on the flipside have been successful in recent years, winning their round 1 clashes in the last three seasons.

Historically not much has separated these two teams. Victory takes a slight edge with 6 wins and one draw from 12 matches but Glory won the only match between these teams last season, defeating Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium 3-1.

It’s only the start of the season. Game 1, but already it seems like there’s so much at stake. Both teams desperate for a good start in what should be the best W-League season yet. Get ready!

Melbourne Victory v Perth Glory

Saturday 17 October 2015

Broadmeadows Valley Park, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 3pm

Head to Head: Played 12 - 6 wins (MVC) - 5 wins (PER) - 1 draw

Melbourne Victory squad: Melissa Barbieri (gk), Briar Palmer, Laura Spiranovic, Jessica Pitt, Alexandra Natoli, Adriana Taranto, Selin Kuralay, Annabel Martin, Melindaj Barbieri, Enza Barilla, Cassandra Dimovski (gk), Thea Slatyer, Christine Nairn, Hayley Raso, Jamie Pollock

Unavailable: Gulcan Koca (injured)

Perth Glory squad: Mackenzie Arnold (gk), Sarah Carroll, Kim Carroll, Katie Holtham, Shannon May, Carla Bennett, Shawn Billam, Caitlin Foord, Katie Schubert, Danielle Brogan, Caitlin Doeglas, Thia Eastman, Gabby Dal Busco (gk), Ella Mastrantonio, Samantha Kerr (c)

Unavailable: none