Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory will do battle once more in a grand final re-match at Cromer Park this Saturday and with both teams coming off a surprise loss last week, each will be as eager as the other to put three points on the board and get their season up and running.
For Sydney FC, they have been bolstered by the addition of Remy Siemsen who comes into the squad straight away and will be a welcome addition with Madison Haley still overcoming her knock from the final pre-season match.
Last week in Adelaide, Sydney FC had majority of the ball and created the bulk of the chances but failed to convert and were ultimately punished by a long ball from Adelaide United at the death. This time around, in front of their own fans, Sydney FC will be hoping to be more clinical and find the net.
READ MORE: REMY SIEMSEN BACK IN SKY BLUE
Melbourne Victory travelled to Western United for their inaugural Liberty A-League Women’s match and in some tough conditions struggled to get going. A lone goal from Jessica McDonald was enough for the new kids on the block to get all three points in their opening match.
For Victory, the story was very similar to the Sky Blues with a number of wasted chances from high profile players including the likes of Alex Chidiac and Elise Kellond-Knight. This time around, they will surely be looking to capitalise on missed opportunities and notch their first win of the season.
For this match, Sydney FC return to Cromer Park, which has been a happy hunting ground for them in the past. Their most recent 90 minutes there was a triumph over Saturday’s opponents which saw them lift the Premiers Plate in March 2021. The Sky Blues will be hoping for more of the same this time, after goals to Princess Ibini and Teresa Polias were enough to see off the Victorian outfit.
A-League Men’s members get access to all Liberty A-League Women’s matches so make your way down to the Northern Beaches this weekend to cheer on the girls. Otherwise, you can grab your tickets from just $18 and bring the whole gang down to Cromer Park on Saturday 26 November for a fun-packed day.
And don’t forget that kids under 16 that are football participants can go free with the Liberty A-League Pass!
READ MORE: LIBERTY A-LEAGUE PASS – REGISTER NOW
Ones to Watch
Mackenzie Hawkesby – Sydney FC
Mackenzie Hawkesby hit the ground running last weekend in Adelaide and had another influential performance in the middle of the park. Hawkesby made her debut against Melbourne Victory in 2019 in a 3-0 and has gone on to be a key starter in Ante Juric’s side. She had a season to remember last year with five goals and eight assists. In the previous meeting between the two sides in last year’s grand final Hawkesby was influential for everything that the Sky Blues did and played the full 90 minutes.
Mackenzie has incredible vision and her ability to pick passes is one of the best in the league. Only 22, she still has the future ahead of her.
Alex Chidiac – Melbourne Victory
Alex Chidiac is back at Melbourne Victory and she arrives after putting in a number of appearances for the Matildas. The attacking midfielder has become a favourite of Tony Gustavsson’s and was included in the most recent camp alongside Jada Whyman and Cortnee Vine. Affectionally known as “Chids”, the Aussie most recently was playing in the NWSL with Racing Louisville and has already played in Spain with Atletico Madrid. She made her debut for the Matildas in 2015, aged just 16 and since then, has shown that she deserved that honour with a number of brilliant performances.
In last season’s grand final, Chidiac was pivotal to Victory’s smash and grab and is expected to be just as influential this time too.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Liberty A-League Women’s Round Two
Saturday 26th November 2022
Cromer Park, Manly, NSW
Kick Off: 3pm AEDT
Gates Open: 2pm AEDT
Tickets: Click Here
Broadcast Live: 10Play & Paramount+
