Match Preview: Women Ready For Melbourne Clash

The Sydney FC Women are gearing up to take on Melbourne City at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Sunday afternoon (4pm) in what will be a blockbuster clash between two of the Liberty A-League’s top contenders.

The two dominant sides last went head-to-head in a one all draw in March 2023 with star forward Cortnee Vine securing an early lead for Sydney FC before Caitlin Torpey equalised in the final seconds.

In their previous meetings, Sydney FC have held a clear dominance over their Melbourne counterparts, with their largest winning margin sitting at three to nil.

Melbourne City currently hold the joint first spot on the ladder after four successful wins. Despite Melbourne City’s early success, the Sky Blues had an electrifying win against Adelaide United after a positive run during their international appearance in the AFC Women’s Club Championship.

The teams will meet in Round Six at the Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre for Sydney FC’s first ever competitive match at this venue.

*Cortnee Vine and Leticia McKenna contending for the ball in Round 18 of the 2022/2023 Liberty A-League fixture.*

The Sky Blues will be monitoring the fitness of both Kirsty Fenton and Lucy Johnson, whom are each recovering from ankle injuries obtained from previous games. Sydney FC will also go without captain Nat Tobin after she sustained a season ending ACL injury in the opening round of the 2023/2024 fixture. Melbourne City will also bear the loss of striker Holly McNamara who has also sustained a long-term ACL injury after receiving a call-up for the Matildas squad. Sydney FC will also forgo Matilda Cortnee Vine who is resting a hamstring injury. The loss of Vine could be critical for the Sky Blue side. In the last three rounds against Melbourne City, Vine has been influential on the field, scoring a goal each game. Despite the Sky Blues ongoing feud with niggling injuries, the girls will have a large Sydney FC crowd on their side following a record Membership season of over 2,000 sold.

A key battle to look out for during this Sunday’s clash is Sydney FC’s fiery forward Fiona Worts and Melbourne City captain Rebekah Stott.

The Sky Blues very own Worts has already scored three goals this season. The English forward was instrumental to Sydney FC’s success in their first AFC Cup appearance, leading the Sky Blues side to an opening win against Bam Khatoon FC.

Worts has been outstanding this season, but she will be tested when she faces off New Zealand international Rebekah Stott who has 75 appearances for Melbourne City and two Olympic Game matches under her belt. Behind both players is years of experience, making this athletic match-up one of the fiercest in the League.

With this weekend’s face off fast approaching, fans can anticipate an action packed Round 6 showdown between two of the Liberty A-League’s most promising sides.

With Sydney FC running hot off the back of an impeccable win, and Melbourne City gunning to keep their top two spot on the ladder, this Sunday’s battle is sure to be a display of high intensity football and excitement. Who will come out on top in this rivalry?