Credit: Getty Images Credit: Getty Images

With two wins in a row on the road, a confident Melbourne Victory returns home to host the Newcastle Jets in Round 4 of the W-League.

Melbourne Victory had their strongest win of the season against Perth Glory last weekend with a 3-1 triumph. Globetrotter, Jess Fishlock produced a wonder goal, displaying early on why she’s renowned as one of the top players in the W-League. Supporting the midfielder, strike duo Lisa De Vanna and Caitlin Friend continued to display good form up forward, scoring a goal apiece.

Newcastle Jets, on the other hand, struggled in their Round 3 match against an improving Adelaide United team, losing 3-1. Captain Gema Simon was unable to capitalise with a few chances, but Jasmin Courtenay brought the deficit back to two with a late consolation goal.

Melbourne Victory look to be finding form with a respectable six points from three matches thus far.  After taking a first round hammering, the defence is settling with Emma Checker and Steph Catley looking very solid throughout the match against Glory.

The Victory quickly gelling midfield is also proving a handful for opponents. Katie Hoyle has been strong, Gulcan Koca has shaken off injuries and they are by bolstered the return of Fishlock; make no mistake, this is a formidable midfield. While Victory’s forwards are creating plenty of goal scoring opportunities from the likes of De Vanna, Friend, Enza Barilla and Laura Spiranovic. De Vanna was well marked by Glory, but Friend and Barilla are a challenging distraction.

Newcastle Jets haven’t fared so well with three big losses so far this season. A 3-1 loss last week, shows a tough road ahead but there are glimpses of form with Simon, Rhali Dobson and Jasmin Courtenay creating scoring opportunities and the the defence has had plenty of match practice.

The return of Ashley Brown from a 12 month ACL hiatus will give Victory some added firepower up forward and it will be interesting to see how well a rested Fishlock will play given the jetlagged version notched up W-League Player of the Week. Victory have a solid eleven and plenty of competition for key positions providing coach Dave Edmondson with a good amount of depth available.

Expect a fast paced forward line with clean, smart distribution from the midfield. Catley may even chance a few strong runs up the left flank following on from last year’s combinations with Fishlock.

For Newcastle Jets to play well, experienced players such as Simon, Ashley Spina and Tara Andrews will need to lead the way. The Jets can take heart from the fact that they had chances last week and, with some improved finishing, a better result hopefully isn’t far away.

The last time these two teams met was in the last round of Season Five. The Newcastle Jets were playing to avoid the wooden spoon and Melbourne Victory were already on their way to the finals.

The match was expected to be a straightforward win for Victory but the Jets showed them how lapses in concentration can be diabolical. In the end it was a 3-3 draw with goals from Victory players Amy Jackson and a brace for Barilla. Emily Van Egmond scored a brace for the Jets and Jasmin Courtenay contributed to the tally as well.

Head to Head: Played 6, Melbourne 5, Draw 1

Melbourne Victory v Newcastle Jets

Saturday 7 December 2013

Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 3pm

Melbourne Victory squad: 3. Jessica Humble 4. Katie Hoyle 5. Laura Spiranovic 6. Cindy Lay 7. Stephanie Catley (c) 8. Ashley Brown 9. Caitlin Friend 10. Jessica Fishlock 11. Lisa De Vanna 12. Jessica Samuelsson 14. Enza Barilla 15. Emma Checker 17. Gulcan Koca 19. Alexandra Natoli, 20. Cassandra Dimovski (GK), 30. Melissa Maizels (GK) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Ashley Brown (returns from injury)

Unavailable: Brianna Davey (glute – 1 week), Rebekah Stott (overseas – 3 weeks)

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3. Stacey Day, 4. Siahn Bozanic, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 8. Maddy Searl, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 14. Sophie Nenadovic, 16. Cassidy Davis, 19. Adriana Jones, 21. Ainsley Buchanan (GK)

Ins: Hannah Brewer (returns from injury)

Outs: 5. Ciara McCormack (knee – one week)

Unavailable: 11. Grace Macintyre (knee – six weeks)