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In a crucial match for both sides, Perth Glory host Adelaide United in Round 4 of the W-League.

After a strong start to the season away from home, the season has taken a bad turn for Perth Glory with back to back home losses to fellow finals aspirants Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory.

Possessing a usually formidable home records, the Glory have struggled in their last two matches and find themselves needing to get back on track fast.  A strong performance from the Victory saw the visitors overwhelm the Glory through a Jess Fishlock thunderbolt, a beautifully crafted Caitlin Friend goal and Lisa De Vanna rounded it out.   Striker Christina Julien provided a late consolation goal but too little too late.

Enduring a tight tussle early, Adelaide United finally pulled away from the Newcastle Jets last weekend scoring three goals in a seven minute burst to break the game wide open.  Star of the show was young striker Tiarn Powell with two goals, including one which may be a contender for goal of the year.

This match will be a battle of the midfield and back lines.  Both teams will require strong drive from their engine room with their captains to take the lead.  Both Collette McCallum (Perth) and Kristy Moore (Adelaide) have been key players for their teams this season but need better support.  Norweign Lisa Marie Woods provided that to Moore last week with a player of the match performance while McCallum could not find the support to stem the Victory midfield.

Both defences will also need to step up, in particular for the Glory who have the second worst defensive record in the league with eight goals conceded.  Jamie Harnwell will be looking for a better performance from the team all round to prevent the waves of attack that they have endured in the last couple of weeks.  Meanwhile the Lady Reds defence, led by Melissa Barbieri, have made a relatively good start to the season.  Another strong performance will go a long way to holding off the talented Glory forward line.

The last contest between these two saw Perth Glory defeat the Adelaide United 3 - 1 in the final round thanks to a Kate Gill brace and late goal from Marianna Tabain.

Head to Head: Played 9, Perth 8, Adelaide 1

Perth Glory v Adelaide United

Saturday 7 December 2013

Percy Doyle Reserve, Perth

Local kick-off: 5pm (8pm AEDT) 

Perth Glory squad: 1. Chantel JONES (gk), 2. Sarah CARROLL, 3. Cecilie SANDVEJ, 4. Bronwyn STUDMAN, 5. Shannon MAY, 6. Sasha ANDREWS, 8. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 9. Rosie SUTTON, 13. Elisa D’OVIDIO, 14. Collette McCALLUM, 15. Jess DILLON, 16. Thia EASTMAN, 17. Marianna TABAIN, 19. Shawn BILLAM, 20. Kathleen WAYCOTT (gk), 21. Christina JULIEN (one to be omitted)

Ins: Jess Dillon (promoted)

Outs: Aivi Luik (hamstring – indefinite), Kat Jukic (hip – indefinite), Kate Gill (Illness – indefinite)

Unavailable: Aivi Luik (hamstring – indefinite), Kat Jukic (groin – indefinite)

Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 5. Jessie WHAREPOURI, 6. Laura STOCKDALE, 9. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 10. Monique IANNELLA, 11. Isabel HODGSON, 12. Daila TAIS-BORG, 14. Jayah BROWN, 15. Jenna McCORMICK, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE, 17. Tiarn POWELL, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (RGK), 19. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 21. Snez VELJANOVSKA 23. Kristy MOORE (C)

Ins: 11. Isabel HODGSON, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE (both promoted)

Outs: 3. Alexandra GUMMER, 4. Tegan RIDING, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY (all omitted)

Unavailable: 2. Bianca GRAY (knee - 12 months)