Sydney FC Women are hoping to continue their stellar home form which has seen them score eight goals without conceding any, as they welcome Melbourne City to Allianz Stadium.
This is a tantalising contest following the pulsating semi final last season where the Sky Blues came back from 2-0 down to level the match in stoppage time, before winning it in extra time.
Ante Juric’s side are purring after a demolition of their rivals Melbourne Victory on Thursday afternoon which saw them score four first half goals and completely dominate the 90 minutes, running out 6-3 winners. Princess Ibini netted a hat-trick, the first of her career, and goals from Mackenzie Hawkesby, Cortnee Vine and Madison Haley ensured that the rest of the league received a statement of intent from the reigning premiers that they do indeed mean business this season.
Of concern to other teams in the competition is that it could easily have been more than six goals with chances missed in the second half including a missed penalty from Madison Haley. Ante Juric credited his team’s performance to motivation following a poor showing against Western United two weeks prior.
Having swept aside all sides at home so far, this test may well be the toughest for the Sky Blues with City coming into this contest sitting above them in the table, albeit with two extra games in hand. Three points to Sydney FC this weekend could prove a vital step in the right direction in chasing a record third straight Premiers Plate.
Melbourne City come into this clash following a tough 90 minutes last weekend against Adelaide United at AAMI Park. A 1-0 win was enough to secure them the three points which maintained their spot in second place on the table.
Often known for their intense finishing exploits, this season they have failed to hit the same heights, scoring a lone goal in each of their last three matches including a 1-1 draw with cross-town rivals Melbourne Victory.
City were on track for another run of victories but were de-throned by Western Sydney Wanderers in their last visit to NSW, a shock 2-0 victory to the hosts which broke their 364-day run without a win.
City have only played four matches out of their 11 played on the road and have struggled lately away from home, leaving it late against struggling Adelaide and dropping points to the Wanderers.
What City are doing well however is their defensive solidarity, currently having an average of 0.7 goals conceded per match, level with Western United as the best in the league. Since Rado Vidiosic moved up to replace Patrick Kisnorbo in the Men’s side, son Dario Vidosic has been in charge of the Women and they have been undefeated in their last four matches.
Melissa Barbieri is sidelined for this clash with Sally James expected to be between the sticks for the visitors, while Jada Whyman still remains absent for the hosts with a broken finger, expected back in the coming days.
Expect action a plenty from two of the best sides that the Liberty A-League Women’s has had for a number of years.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Liberty A-League Women’s
Saturday 4th February 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 2:20pm AEDT
Gates Open: 2:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+, 10Play & DubZone through YouTube and Facebook
Tickets: Click Here
