The A-League Women’s continues this weekend, with all eyes on a fascinating Big Blue between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC.
Read our preview of all the upcoming Round 8 action below.
Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Date: Friday, 27 December
Kickoff: 4.50pm AEDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Adelaide United will be hoping to arrest a dip in form as they host the Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday afternoon.
Adelaide were outplayed by league leaders Melbourne City last week but will be looking to rebuild this time out. Buoyed by the return of Matilda McNamara in defence, as well as American attacker Erin Healy, they will be in a good position to do so.
The Wanderers will be determined to recapture the magic from a fortnight ago when they put five goals past Western United. Three points could lift them into the mid-table conversation.
Perth Glory v Central Coast Mariners
Date: Friday, 27 December
Kickoff: 8pm AEDT
Venue: HBF Park
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketmaster
After an unbeaten start to the season, the Central Coast Mariners travel to Perth hoping to turn around a run of consecutive losses.
The Glory rescued a late point last week but had the majority of chances throughout and will be hoping to convert more of those on Friday. Key to their efforts will be CommBank Young Matildas like Naomi Chinnama in defence, Grace Johnston and Georgia Cassidy.
The Mariners signed former CommBank Young Matilda Greta Kraszula throughout the week and will be hoping that she, like their young squad, can fire in Perth. Jessika Nash will be available in defence.
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Date: Saturday, 28 December
Kickoff: 4.50pm AEDT
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Sydney FC will be desperate to get off the foot of the table when they take on rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday.
Sydney have started the season uncharacteristically slowly, with only four points from their first seven games, leaving them languishing at the bottom of the table. Three points on Saturday would be huge as they hope to turn things around.
Victory, meanwhile, have started anything but slowly. Currently sitting third, with golden boot leader Emily Gielnik spearheading their attack, they will be hoping to inflict another blow on Sydney. Gielnik and Alex Chidiac will be available for Victory.
Melbourne City v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Saturday, 28 December
Kickoff: 5pm AEDT
Venue: ctrl:cyber pitch
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketbooth
Top-of-the-table Melbourne City host an in form Wellington Phoenix on Saturday.
Melbourne City are flying high, undefeated and looking ominous to their competition. CommBank Matildas Bryleeh Henry, Karly Roestbakken, Laura Hughes and Leah Davidson will all be available, as well as Holly McNamara off the back of scoring last week.
The Phoenix have only ever picked up one point in Melbourne, and that was against Victory earlier in the season. They would have to defy the odds to do so against City – but, given they are undefeated in four, they will back themselves here.
Canberra United v Newcastle Jets
Date: Sunday, 29 December
Kickoff: 5pm AEDT
Venue: McKellar Park
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: TicketSales
Canberra United and the Newcastle Jets face off with both teams in search of a much-needed win.
Canberra are now winless since Round 2, despite showing positive signs throughout that period. Three points in front of their home fans would go a long way to giving them confidence to push for the top six spots this season. Michelle Heyman will be available at the heart of their attack.
The Jets will need to bounce back after being hit for six by Brisbane last weekend. They are one point above Canberra on the table but all eyes are on their defence – if they can hold out, they are always a chance of scoring. Tash Prior will be a vital part of that defence.
Western United v Brisbane Roar
Date: Sunday, 29 December
Kickoff: 7.45pm AEDT
Venue: Ironbark Fields
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Western United hosts the in-form Brisbane Roar in the final match of the round.
Western dusted themselves off after a thrashing a fortnight ago to defeat the Mariners last time out. They sit fourth on the table – if they can continue to grow into the season, they will be a real trophy threat. Chloe Logarzo is expected to be available, as well as Chloe Lincoln.
The Roar have been the talk of the league after their six-goal performance last time out against the Jets. They will back themselves to continue their good form here against a good side in Western United. Tameka Yallop is expected to be available after missing last week with a knock, while Sharn Freier is expected to start once more.
