Are you ready for a big match? Because in the context of home and away matches, this one is huge, with both teams vying for a place in the finals.

Last round, Melbourne Victory took on a curiously unlucky Brisbane Roar, with Victory coming away with the 2-1 steal courtesy of some dramatic moments from Brianna Davey and “The Boss”, Christine Nairn.

By contrast, the Newcastle Jets might feel like they were robbed of a win but fortunate of a 3-3 draw, in a seesawing encounter against Canberra United.

Victory’s latest win wasn’t pretty but it was enough to keep them in the race for the finals.

Brooke Spence did a laudable job keeping De Vanna quiet for much of the first half, but eventually Nairn managed to release De Vanna into space, setting up an equaliser goal for Racheal Quigley.

Quigley is proving to be an enigma for her opponents as she has scored in the last three matches. Much of this is due to her smarts about where to be as well as her astute reflexes. Another part definitely comes from the alliance with De Vanna and Nairn.

Steph Catley continues to impress with her alluring runs along the left flank and also played an impressive role curtailing the impact of Hayley Raso.

Likewise, Brianna Davey kept Melbourne in the match with a few fingertip saves as she continues to thrill in goals.

Newcastle snatched a last minute draw from the hands of Canberra United in their Round 10 matchup, with Tara Andrews scoring a goal in consecutive matches and Emily Van Egmond emphasizing her clout in the midfield.

Angela Salem delivered pinpoint passes as well as a spectacular strike, adding another goal to her tally.

Defensively, the Jets have been the subject of some lapses, but the form of Georgia Yeoman-Dale has been exciting as has the improvement of young defender, Cassidy Davis alongside the stability of veteran Hayley Crawford.

Who wins this match will depend on who plays best on the day. Perhaps a redundant thing to say but these teams are somewhat evenly matched.

If Melbourne are to play their best, they will need their best from the whole team rather than just the usual suspects in Nairn, De Vanna and Catley.

The return of Gema Simon will be a boost and allow a full squad for coach Joe Montemurro to choose from.

For Newcastle, there’s no doubt that Emily Van Egmond will be a pivotal player on the day, ably supported by Andrews, Salem and Tori Huster.

The last time these two teams met, was way back in Round 1 when the Jets defeated Melbourne 1-0. Newcastle score most of their goals between the 45th-60th minute and that match was no exception with, Angela Salem scoring her only other goal this season in the 47th minute.

Who remembers that and how surprising the result was? With the benefit of hindsight it’s not surprising anymore as the Jets have been a different team this season.

Historically the results are impressive with 7-1-1 in Melbourne’s favour but history will mean very little in this match.

It’s the final home and away season for Melbourne. Their last chance to secure any points. One might be enough but realistically, both sides will be playing to win as the Jets look to lock a finals appearance.

Expect a relentless attacking game. Whatever happens, it should be a good match.

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

Saturday 22 November 2014

Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 3pm

** Listen LIVE on FFV Radio from 2.30pm. Head to www.footballfedvic.com.au, or search 'FFV Radio' in the TuneIn smartphone app, or use to bit.ly/FFV_Radio

Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna DAVEY, 2. Hannah BREWER, 5. Lauren BARNES, 6. Gema SIMON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 9. Racheal QUIGLEY, 10. Christine NAIRN, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Beattie GOAD, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Elli REED, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI, 29. Caitlin FRIEND

Ins: Gema Simon (returns from illness)

Outs: Amy Jackson (suspended – one week)

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Hannah Southwell, 2. Georgia Yeoman-Dale, 3. Hayley Crawford, 5. Katherine Reynolds, 6. Angela Salem, 7. Tori Huster, 8. Amber Neilson, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Emily van Egmond, 11. Rhali Dobson, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Grace McIntyre, 18. Clare Wheeler, 20. Claire Coelho (GK), 24. Brooke Miller

Ins: Clare Wheeler (promoted)

Outs: Sophie Nenadovic (omitted)

Unavailable: Ashley Spina (knee – season)