Leena Khamis returned to the W-League with a goal | Credit: Emily Mogic Leena Khamis returned to the W-League with a goal | Credit: Emily Mogic

Fresh off a big victory, defending W-League champions Sydney FC host local rivals the Newcastle Jets in Round 2.

The Sky Blues got their 2013/14 season off to a rampaging start with an unexpected 5-1 win over home team Melbourne Victory.  Sydney outplayed the strong Victory outfit all over the park and will be looking to continue their good form when they kick-off this weekend.

Sydney's midfield combination of Teresa Polias, Sam Kerr, Trudy Camilleri and Nicola Bolger worked together fluently with strikers Jodie Taylor and Emma Kete providing the class finish.

Defender Ellyse Perry put in a big game marking Lisa De Vanna but a heavy late challenge from De Vanna will likely make life tough for Perry if she gets onto the pitch next round.

In a physical contest, the Newcastle Jets started off their campaign against last season’s semi-finalists Perth Glory with the visitors taking three points courtesy of a 5-2 win.  However, the scoreline belies the heart of the contest as the Jets were able to equalise twice in the first half to go into the break at 2-2 before late goals undid them.

The young Jets squad are not favoured to reach the finals this season and yet came out guns blazing to prove the doubters wrong and surprised many by holding Glory to 2-2 for 66 mins.  

Jets goalkeeper Eliza Campbell is rising to become one of the best shot-blockers in the W-league and her ability to read the play and smother the ball against world class strikers like Glory’s Kate Gill is raising eyebrows.

Attackers Hannah Beard and Rhali Dobson also proved their worth with strong performances up front while the leadership group of Gema Simon and Hannah Brewer were their usual dependable selves.

A key for Sydney FC is former Jet Nicola Bolger.  Bolger is coming off an impressive showing and well-earned brace from Round 1 is expected to be in the midfield stirring things up in attack.

Sam Kerr was quiet last week with many open looks at goal but showed a reluctance to take the shot, so a big game is expected from the recently crowned PFA Footballer of the Year. But it will be the Sydney midfield mentioned above that will be the drivers of this match especially if they get on top early.

Jets’ goal scorers Beard and Andrews are capable of individual brilliance as well as delivering the perfect pass for one another and they will be eager to rack up goals getting in behind the Sydney defence.

Newcastle will also rely heavily on their midfield and will be hoping Jasmin Courtney, Maddie Searl and Co win or even out the battle.  While down back Ashley Spina and Stacey Day will be crucial in repelling the Sydney attack.

When the two met last in Round 10 at the Jets home ground, Sydney FC showed off their potent attack running out comfortable 4 – 0 winners.

Head to Head: Played 10, Sydney 5, Newcastle 3, Draws 2

Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets

Saturday 16 November 2013

WIN Stadium, Wollongong

Local kick-off: 3pm

Referee: Rebecca Durcau 

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, Natalie Tobin, Sham Khamis, Chloe Logarzo, Melissa Caceres (three to be omitted)

Ins: Caitlin Foord (returns from injury), Natalie Tobin, Melissa Caceres (both promoted) 

Unavailable: Danielle Brogan (Calf – 1 week)

Newcastle Jets squad:  1. Eliza CAMPBELL (gk), 2. Hannah BREWER 3. Stacey DAY, 4.Siahn BOZANIC, 6. Ashley SPINA, 7. Gema SIMON (c), 8. Madeline SEARL 9. Tara ANDREWS, 10. Rhali DOBSON, 11. Grace MACINTYRE, 12. Hannah BEARD, 13. Jasmin COURTENAY, 14. Sophie NENADOVIC, 15. Libby COPUS-BROWN, 16. Cassidy DAVIS, 17. Lauren BROWN, 19. Adriana JONES, 20. Claire COELHO (gk) (two to be omitted)

Ins: 14. Sophie NENADOVIC, 15. Libby COPUS-BROWN, 19. Adriana JONES,

Outs: Grace McIntyre (knee – indefinite)