Round 1: Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United

As they did last season, the Western Sydney Wanderers and Adelaide United match up in the season opener.

On that occasion the Wanderers jumped out of the blocks to what appeared to be a comfortable two goal lead only to be shocked by a late Sarah McLaughlin hattrick.  There will be no such complacency from Stephen Roche's side in this encounter.

After missing out on the finals courtesy of a tough home stretch of results, the Wanderers are aiming for nothing else than their first finals appearance.  To that end Roche has recruited significant experience with no bigger signing than that of Matildas midfielder Heather Garriock.

Returning to football after 12 months away from the game, Garriock is set to be the barometer of the team and therefore it was no surprise when she was awarded the captain's armband.

The Wanderers have also picked up Garriock's fellow national team members Emily van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy with Shawna Gordon and Tori Huster adding to the increased experience in the squad.

While the Wanderers have undergone some changes, their opponents on the hand look almost unrecognisable from last season.  New Adelaide United coach Ross Aloisi has made several big changes to the squad with only seven players from last season returning.

In his first season, Aloisi has recruited experienced campaigners Kristy Moore, Melissa Barbieri and Laura Stockdale to form the foundation of the team.  Around them he has kept faith in young up and coming talent with South Australians Isobel Hodgson, Jayah Brown and Emily Condon all set to get their first taste of top flight football.

On paper, the home side has the decided advantage.  Strong across all lines with experience where it counts, the Wanderers will be looking to get their season off on a positive note.  However, there is an air of unpredictability surrounding the Lady Reds.  With Barbieri in goals and Moore up front, the Reds have two strong bookends but how the rest of the young squad copes against what is sure to be a physical Wanderers side will go a long way to determining the result.   

Head to Head: Played 2, Western Sydney 1, Adelaide 1

Sunday 10 November 2013

Marconi Stadium, Fairfield

Local kick-off: 2pm

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 2.Caitlin Cooper, 3. Shawna Gordon, 5. Emily Van Egmond, 6. Rachael Soutar, 7.Heather Garriock (C), 8. Tori Huster, 9. Jenna Kingsley, 10. Servet Uzunlar, 11. Michelle Carney, 12. Jessica Seaman, 13. Catherine Cannuli, 18. Helen Petinos, 20. Georgia Rowntree (GK), 22. Dimi Poulos (gk)

Unavailable: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (GK) (leg – indefinite), 17. Kyah Simon (knee – season)

Adelaide United squad: Melissa Barbieri (gk), Bianca Gray, Alexandra Gummer, Tegan Riding, Jessie Wharepouri, Laura Stockdale, Racheal Quigley, Emily Condon, Monique Iannella, Isobel Hodgson, Daila Tais-Borg, Jayah Brown, Jenna McCormick, Jessica Waterhouse, Tiarn Powell, Jess Nagel, Kelly Baltrop, Kristy Moore (C) (three to be omitted)