Photo: Emily Mogic Photography 

A hungry Canberra United side travels south this week for a high pressure clash against Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium. The match will be part of a doubleheader preceding the A-League local derby between Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City. 

Last round, Victory continued their undefeated streak with a 1-1 draw against Brisbane on the road.  Meanwhile fifth placed Canberra United’s fortunes and finals aspirations took a tumble, losing 3-2 at home to a resolute Adelaide United squad. 

In what ended up as a demanding deadlock against Brisbane Roar, Victory could count themselves both lucky and unlucky with the result. Midfielder Amy Jackson scored yet again, following up last week’s hattrick with a clean finish off a Lisa De Vanna precision pass.

De Vanna continued her strong form this season and was as intimidating as ever throughout the game.

Ella Mastrantonio was able to step out of the shadows of both Jackson and midfield boss, Christine Nairn, to restrict Brisbane’s flow.

Brianna Davey played a great first half, keeping Victory in the game with a number of clutch saves, but  took a beating along the way and was replaced in the second half by Cassandra Dimovski who made her first appearance this season.

Canberra, by contrast, are coming off a loss to Adelaide in a match where there were plenty of positives for both sides. In saying that, whilst there is always the one game at a time philosophy, the pressure must be mounting in their bid to make the finals. 

On the plus side, Julia De Angelis impressed with some smart passages of play and will be a player to watch against Melbourne. 

Lori Lindsey demonstrated more fine touch and game smarts. The crafty veteran continues to be a key player for Canberra whether paired with Caitlin Munoz in the midfield or distributing forward to Michelle Heyman. Lindsey has the strength to lift this unit and may be required to do exactly that.

With the firepower of both teams demanding solid defences, the injury cloud heading into this match for ‘keepers Davey and Chantel Jones could have serious ramifications. 

De Vanna has been on fire this season. Whilst she has ‘only’ scored two goals and two assists, her influence stretches far beyond that in splitting defences, opening up play and perhaps most of all, drawing focus.

Melbourne’s midfield will be governed by Nairn and exceedingly well supported by Jackson and Mastrantonio. Results suggest that if Nairn or Jackson play well, Victory wins.

 In defence, Melbourne continue to play tight football and have held together under pressure with captain Steph Catley leading the pack.

For Canberra, look no further than Lindsey with her superb distribution and corner kicks.

The pace of Ashleigh Sykes on the left flank will be something to watch and keep Victory honest. Then if you want some extra excitement, pay the entry fee and watch the spectacular Michelle Heyman in full flight. 

Seasoned international Kendall Fletcher is set to make her season 7 debut for Canberra having totaled 12 appearances last season and also capped 22 times in two seasons at Victory.

Melbourne and Canberra have one of the closest rivalries in the W-League with Victory just edging out Canberra six wins to five in their 13 outings. Victory came off the better in their last clash back in round  three, decisively taking out the match  with a 4-2 Victory at McKellar Park.

Melbourne Victory v Canberra United

(Hyundai A-League double-header)

Saturday 25 October 2014

Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 4.45pm

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

Melbourne Victory squad: 2. Hannah BREWER, 5. Lauren BARNES, 6. Gema SIMON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 8. Amy JACKSON, 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 (GK), 30. Tori SNELLEKSZ (GK)

Ins: Tori Snelleksz (injury replacement signing)

Outs: Brianna Davey (shin 1-2 weeks)

Canberra United squad: 1. Chantel JONES, 2. Catherine BROWN, 3. Julia DE ANGELIS, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Grace FIELD, 6. Caitlin MUNOZ, 7. Ellie BRUSH, 10. Grace MAHER, 11. Michelle HEYMAN, 12. Sally ROJAHN, 13. Nicole BEGG, 14. Ashleigh SYKES, 16. Lori LINDSEY, 20. Melissa MAIZELS (gk), 22. Stephanie OCHS

Ins: Kendall Fletcher (Seattle Reign/USA)

Outs: Holly Houston (omitted)

Unavailable: Meg McLAUGHLIN (knee – 4-6 weeks), Grace GILL (ankle – 4-6 weeks)