Michelle Heyman scored as Canberra United defeated Sydney FC 2-0 midweek, putting them in a fascinating position heading into the game with still undefeated Melbourne City.
Elsewhere, a distance derby kicks the round off, while the Brisbane Roar travel to Newcastle to take on the Jets.
Read all about the Matildas at Home below.
Canberra United 2 – 0 Sydney FC
Canberra United thrilled home fans with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Sydney FC on Wednesday afternoon.
Sydney stood firm in the first half before their defence was breached for the first time in four-and-a-half games, thanks to Michelle Heyman’s goal off the back of some good work from Sasha Grove. Sienna Dale scored the second to seal the result from a set piece.
Heyman started for Canberra before being withdrawn in the second half.
Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Friday, 12 December
Venue: Sam Kerr Football Centre
Kickoff: 7pm local, 10pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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The Perth Glory host Wellington Phoenix in the distance derby in desperate need for three points after several disappointing results.
The Glory will be hoping that the return of first-choice goalkeeper Teresa Morrissey will help lift them in defence, while the likes of Isobel Dalton will hope to lift them creatively as well. The Phoenix, for their part, didn’t do much wrong against City last week – they’ll just need to find their shooting boots if they are to leave the longest away trip in the competition with three points.
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Date: Saturday, 13 December
Venue: No.2 Sportsground
Kickoff: 2pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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The Newcastle Jets’ hopes of bouncing back after a disappointing F3 Derby defeat will be tempered by facing a high-flying Brisbane Roar.
The Jets were undefeated to start the season before falling to the Mariners last week. They’ll hope to recapture their early form to restart their season in front of their home fans. Natasha Prior will be available for the Jets.
The Roar haven’t quite shaken off accusations of inconsistency – shown in their loss to the Western Sydney Wanderers earlier in the season – but at their best, have been irrepressible this season. Grace Kuilamu, Sharn Freier and Chloe Lincoln are all expected to start, while Tameka Yallop is unavailable after picking up a hamstring injury last week, and Roar announced the midfielder will need surgery on the injury.
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
Date: Saturday, 13 December
Venue: AAMI Park
Kickoff: 4.50pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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Melbourne Victory host Adelaide United in what is shaping up to be a must-win clash between two of last season’s title contenders.
Victory’s record currently stands at three wins and three losses, which is already more defeats than last season. They started the season with a substantial injury list, however, and the likes of Nicki Flannery are beginning to be reintegrated into the side. A win against Adelaide at home would do much to quell any early-season anxiety.
Adelaide, meanwhile, has only won one from four. They’ll be hoping their talented front three of Chelsie Dawber, Fiona Worts, and Erin Healy can fire on Saturday and secure points away from home.
Canberra United v Melbourne City
Date: Saturday, 13 December
Venue: McKellar Park
Kickoff: 5.30pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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Melbourne City are now undefeated for 30 home and away games – but that won’t stop Canberra United from dreaming big on Saturday.
Canberra have played some eye-catching football over the past three games and looks in fine form ahead of Saturday’s clash. With Michelle Heyman leading the line, they will be confident that they can take it to the defending premiers – and maybe even cause an upset.
While it seemed City got away with one last week against the Phoenix, their ability to consistently find a way out of trouble is much less about luck, and much more a feature of their game. They’ll do as they’ve always done and back themselves to leave McKellar Park with another three points. Holly McNamara, Alexia Apostolakis, and Karly Roestbakken will be available for City.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners
Date: Sunday, 14 December
Venue: Wanderers Football Park
Kickoff: 7pm AEDT
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
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The Western Sydney Wanderers host the Central Coast Mariners in an unpredictable matchup.
The Wanderers looked good against Sydney FC on the weekend in the derby, but were still not able to convert. With an extra week behind some of their international signings, Wanderers fans can be hopeful that they will be able to take it to the defending champions on Sunday.
The Mariners have won both of their home games this season but have struggled on the road. Still, they will take great heart from their victory over the Jets on the weekend, and will hope to continue that form into this week. Isabel Gomez was outstanding against the Jets and hopes to continue to perform against the Wanderers, while new signing, Chloe Logarzo Berryhill, will be hoping to make her debut for the home side.