Credit: Emily Mogic Credit: Emily Mogic

The Western Sydney Wanderers look for vital three points when they host ladder leaders Melbourne Victory at Campbelltown Stadium.

The Wanderers third match in seven days, the Western Sydney side will be looking to shake off a mid week loss to cross-town rivals Sydney FC.  While the Melbourne Victory train rolls on with a 2-1 win over a strong Canberra United outfit.

While the scoreline was 4-3 with the visitors surging late, a slow and disorganised start ultimately cost the Stephen Roche's side.

Captain Heather Garriock was instrumental in the fight back, while Emily Van Egmond and Alanna Kennedy were finally able to neutralise the Sky Blues midfield late.

Meanwhile for the second time in as many matches Michelle Carney entered the match to shift the momentum but it was too late to rescue the situation.

The Melbourne Victory came through another stern test with three points, although a rub of the green was involved with this one.  NZ international, and new Notts County signing, Katie Hoyle continues to impress as the season continues.

Between Hoyle, Jess Fishlock and Gulcan Koca, the season 5 finalists were able to crowd out a strong Canberra United midfield to provide good service to Lisa De Vanna and Caitlin Friend and ultimately retain top spot. The win stretched Melbourne's unbeaten streak to seven, their best in the history which they will be looking to build on.

As when they met two weeks ago this match will be determined in the midfield.  In that match the Wanderers started out the match well with Garriock, Van Egmond and Linda O'Neill on top early.

However the strikers were unable to take advantage of this with the Fishlock, Hoyle & Co slowly gaining the ascendancy.

With Servet Uzunlar back and in central defence and Kennedy moving further up the park, this is a more dynamic Wanderers side of which the Victory would be wise to be wary of.

Teo Pellizzeri will be calling the action live at www.livecast.com.au from 3.55pm.

Head to Head: Played 2, Western Sydney 0, Melbourne 2

Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory

Sunday 19 January 2014

Campbelltown Stadium, Sydney

Local kick-off: 4pm 

Western Sydney Wanderers squad: 1.Mackenzie Arnold (gk), 2.Caitlin Cooper, 3.Shawna Gordon, 5.Emily Van Egmond, 6.Rachael Soutar, 7.Heather Garriock (c), 9.Jenna Kingsley, 10.Servet Uzunlar, 11.Michelle Carney, 12.Jessica Seaman, 13.Catherine Cannuli, 14.Alanna Kennedy, 15.Teigen Allen, 16.Linda O’Neill, 18.Helen Petinos, 22.Dimi Poulos (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Jenna Kingsley (returns from injury)

Unavailable: Camille Levin (hamstring – three weeks), Tori Huster (knee – two weeks), Kyah Simon (knee - season)

Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Brianna Davey (gk) 3.Jessica Humble 4.Katie Hoyle 5.Laura Spiranovic 6.Cindy Lay 7.Stephanie Catley (c) 9.Caitlin Friend 10.Jess Fishlock 11.Lisa De Vanna 12.Jessica Samuelsson 14.Enza Barilla 15.Emma Checker 16.Beattie Goad, 17.Gulcan Koca, 18.Emily Hulbert, 20.Cassie Dimovski (gk) (one to omitted)

Ins: Emily Hulbert (promoted)

Unavailable: Ashley Brown (knee – season), Alex Natoli (hamstring 1-2 weeks)