06-06-wsw-new-prevThe Western Sydney Wanderers will be facing the Newcastle Jets this Sunday in a first for the W-League, with this weekend's fixture being held at the Western suburbs heartland; Centrebet stadium in Penrith.

Coming back to full strength, and as they did last season, the Wanderers targeted the Perth Glory as the match to kick-start their season.  Goals from Helen Petinos, the evergreen Heather Garriock celebrating her successful comeback to the W-League and Jenna Kingsley helped them achieve a 3-0 win.

For the Newcastle Jets, it was the same scoreline against Canberra United but unfortunately not in their favour. A brace from Stephanie Ochs and goal from Michelle Heyman  was the difference despite a strong second half performance from the Jets.

The Western Sydney Wanderers have endured an interrupted start to the season due to injuries to key players Alanna Kennedy, Kyah Simon and Heather Garriock. To add salt to the wounds, Servet Uzunlar has been sidelined due to contractual issues with her former South Korean club.

However, the return of Matildas, Arnold, Kennedy and Garriock and the recent signing of Goteborg FC player Camille Levin have bolstered the Wanderers squad.  All around the park the Wanderers now look like a different proposition with strong defence led by Kennedy and Caitlin Cooper and a solid midfield and attack.

The squad will be hoping to continue to turn their season around with a win over the Jets and stay in touch with the top four sides heading into the latter half of the competition.

With most teams consisting of experienced senior Australian and overseas players, it has been a tumultuous start to the season for the young Jets side, who are struggling to come to terms with the intensity of this season’s competition.

However, the Wanderers would be foolish to underestimate the Jets, as they are working hard to turn their season around.  Striker Rhali Dobson caused some problems for Canberra United’s defence last week with her blistering pace and Young Matilda Tara Andrews is not to be underestimated, with her propensity to score in important fixtures.

The last time these two teams met was at Campbelltown Stadium, with the Wanderers producing a thoroughly convincing performance in defeating the Jets 3-0.

On paper this looks to be a comfortable win for the home side and there is hope for a decent crowd to turn out and support the burgeoning Western Sydney Wanderers squad.

Head to Head: Played 1, Western Sydney 1, Newcastle 0

Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets

Sunday 22 December 2013

Centrebet Stadium (Penrith), Sydney

Local kick-off: 3pm

** Catch all the action Live* at 3.00pm on ABC1. Or catch up from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Thursday (*live in AEDT states)

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Mackenzie Arnold (gk), 2. Caitlin Cooper, 3. Shawna Gordon, 4. Camille Levin, 5. Emily Van Egmond (C), 7. Heather Garriock, 9. Jenna Kingsley, 11. Michelle Carney, 12. Jessica Seaman, 13. Catherine Cannuli, 14. Alanna Kennedy, 15. Teigen Allen, 16. Linda O’Neill, 18. Helen Petinos, 20. Georgia Rowntree, 22. Dimi Poulos (gk) (one to omitted)

Ins: Dimi Poulos (returns from unavailability)

Unavailable: Jordan Baker (hip – two weeks), Tori Huster (knee – three weeks), Servet Uzunlar (awaiting international clearance), Kyah Simon (knee - season), Racheal Souter (neck – season)

Newcastle Jets squad:  1. Eliza Campbell (GK), 2. Hannah Brewer, 3. Stacey Day, 4. Siahn Bozanic, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 15. Libby Copus-Brown, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Lauren Brown, 18. Clare Wheeler, 19. Adriana Jones, 21. Claire Coelho (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Libby Copus-Brown (returns from injury), Clare Wheeler (new signing – train-on squad)

Outs: Maddie Searl (knee – season)

Unavailable: Grace Macintyre (knee – six weeks)