Photo: Emily Mogic Photography 

An in form Western Sydney Wanderers meets Melbourne Victory in a crucial Round 9 fixture at Marconi Stadium.

The Wanderers return home after picking up 4 of a possible 6 points against their more fancied and finals hopefuls Sydney FC and Canberra United.

Meanwhile the Victory are looking to find some form as they come off three losses in a row with the latest against ladder leaders Perth Glory.

After early season reality checks, the Western Sydney Wanderers looked to have found their feet in the last couple of weeks.

They form has coincided with Norm Boardman's selection of a settled starting XI that has been more than competitive.

The back bone of that has been a defensive unit led by captain Caitlin Cooper and goalkeeper Trudy Burke while Rachael Soutar and Jessica Seaman have been solid and American Kendall Johnson has provided plenty of drive.

In the front third Winters and O'neill have been their dependable selves while Caitlin Jarvie has ignited an attacking spark and Hannah Beard the composed finish.

The balanced Wanderers team now look like a team that will take some beating, particularly for a side that is coming off a winless streak.

For the Victory it is now or never.

With only three regular season matches left, the defending champions need to gain maximum points if they are to give themselves the best chance of making the finals.

The last couple of weeks have seen the midfield and defence come under severe pressure while the attack has fired intermittently.

This week's changes will help the front line with Lisa De Vanna and Caitlin Friend, the Victory's top two goalscorers in Season 6, returning.

[More: A little help from a Friend]

Joe Montemurro will be hoping for these two veterans to add some movement and liveliness in the front third and in doing so assist and provide a focal point for midfielders Jackson, Nairn and the attacking Stephanie Catley.

Defensively Victory are also in flux with the heroine of last match Cass Dimovksi unavailable due to concussion, Lauren Barnes and Emma Checker are also absent and Brianna Davey is not a guaranteed starter.

Suddenly a starting line up that was so stable in the middle of the season is looking less so.

Melbourne really only have one choice in this game, all out attack. It is their season that is on the line and they certainly have the weapons to get it back on track.

The last time these two sides played it was a goal bonanza with Melbourne coming out on top 5-3.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory

Sunday 9 November 2014

Marconi Stadium, Sydney

Local kick-off: 3pm

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

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1. Trudy Burke (gk), 2. Caitlin Cooper, 3. Jessica Seaman, 4. Caitlin Jarvie, 5. Helen Petinos, 6. Rachael Soutar, 7. Kendall Johnson. 8. Grace Henry, 9. Keelin Winters, 10. Michelle Carney, 11. Lorena Bugden, 12. Hannah Beard, 14. Demi Koulizakis, 16. Linda O’Neill, 20. Sham Khamis (gk)

Unavailable: Jordan Baker, Chloe O’Brien (both Westfield Young Matildas)

Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna DAVEY, 2. Hannah BREWER, 4. Alexandra NATOLI, 6. Gema SIMON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 8. Amy JACKSON, 9. Racheal QUIGLEY, 10. Christine NAIRN, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 14. Tiffany ELIADIS, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Elli REED, 29. Caitlin FRIEND, 30. Erin HERD (gk)

Ins: Brianna Davey (returns from injury), Lisa De Vanna (returns from suspension), Caitlin Friend (new signing), Erin Herd (temporary injury replacement)

Outs: Lauren Barnes (unavailable – 1 week), Alexandra Gummer (omitted), Cassandra Dimovski (concussion – 1 week), Tori Snelleksz (contract expired)

Unavailable: Emma Checker, Beattie Goad (both Westfield Young Matildas)