06-01-mel-sydSunday January 27th 2013, the W-League Season 5 Grand Final. Melbourne Victory takes on Sydney FC at AAMI Park.

Melbourne’s defence had been stingy all season, so it was a brilliant surprise, or dreadful shock, depending on which shade of blue you support, when Sydney took out the championship.

A couple of defensive errors may have been all the difference in the comprehensive 3-1 annihilation of Melbourne Victory.

Kyah Simon and Sam Kerr were instrumental in helping their team win the biggest match of the season scoring a goal apiece with Nicola Bolger scoring the opener. Petra Larsson scored Melbourne’s only goal.

Things change. Kyah Simon and Petra Larsson have both moved on. Simon transferred to the Western Sydney Wanderers and will miss the season after suffering a damaged ACL. Larsson is not returning to the W-League at least this season.

Sydney FC now boasts the return of capped Matildas Danielle Brogan and Leena Khamis (both returning from ACLs) and former Melbourne Victory international Jodie Taylor.

Melbourne Victory has recruited well. A new coach in Dave Edmondson, key Matildas striker Lisa De Vanna and emerging defensive talent Emma Checker all join Melbourne Victory this year raising hopes for the forward line and bolstering the defence. The internationals haven’t hit town yet and won’t be available for Round 1 so this will test the depth of the Victory squad.

There won’t be a championship trophy up for grabs this Sunday, but make no mistake, there’s a lot of pride at stake for both teams. Sydney will be pumped and ready to bank three points in enemy territory whilst Melbourne Victory will be looking to atone for the crushing grand final loss.

Who should you watch? For Melbourne Victory, expect an unshakable performance from new captain Stephanie Catley. De Vanna’s speed can’t be matched on or off the ball so Sydney will be busy trying to contain the exuberant striker.

Keep a look out for attacking combinations from Tiffany Eliadis and Laura Spiranovic. Emma Checker is definitely worth a look too. Checker was a stand out in Victory’s pre season match up last weekend against the Victorian Women’s Premier League All Stars.

For Sydney FC, Sam Kerr will be a key player to watch, particularly given her stellar offseason preparation in the US. Playing in the National Women’s Soccer League for Western New York Flash, Kerr has been learning and running alongside the likes of Carli Lloyd and Abby Wambach. How can you top that?

English Striker Jodie Taylor’s return to the W-League will be a welcome one for fans and players. Playing against her ‘old team’, Taylor will be trying to slot the ball past Brianna Davey and into the net.

So it's all set up for another classic encounter between these two big city rivals.

Head to Head: Played 8, Melbourne 1, Sydney 5, draws 2

Sunday 10 November 2013

Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 3pm

** Catch all the action Live* at 3.00pm on ABC1. Or catch up from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Thursday (*live in AEDT states)
 
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Brianna DAVEY (GK) 3. Jessica HUMBLE 4. Katie HOYLE 5. Laura SPIRANOVIC 6. Cindy LAY 7. Stephanie CATLEY (c) 9. Caitlin FRIEND 11. Lisa DE VANNA 13. Tiffany ELIADIS 14. Enza BARILLA 15. Emma CHECKER 16. Beattie GOAD 17. Gulcan KOCA 18. Emily HULBERT 19. Alex NATOLI 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI (one to be omitted)

Unavailable: Jessica Samuelsson (overseas - 1 week), Jess Fishlock (overseas – 2 weeks), Ash Brown (knee – 3 weeks)

Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont, Liz Ralston, Alesha Clifford, Ellyse Perry, Amy Harrison, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Leena Khamis, Sam Kerr, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Trudy Camilleri, Nat Tobin, Sham Khamis, Chloe Logarzo, Mel Caceres (two to be omitted)

Unavailable: Danielle Brogan (Calf – 1 week) , Caitlin Foord (Foot – 1 week)