The A-League Women continues this weekend, as new and returning CommBank Matildas hope to make their mark after a standout international window.
Read our preview of all of the action below.
Melbourne Victory v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Friday, 13 December
Kickoff: 7pm AEDT
Venue: Home of the Matildas
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Melbourne Victory are flying high in second on the ladder after five rounds, but have to contend with a Wellington Phoenix team who have won their last two games and are in extremely promising form.
Victory go into the match at home as slight favourites after Alana Murphy’s late winner against Perth last weekend. The return of Emily Gielnik and Alex Chidiac will add the firepower that they will need if they are going to continue their good form.
Former Football Fern and Phoenix captain Annalie Longo scored a brace last week to lift the Phoenix to their second victory in as many games. They have shown that they are capable of playing eye-catching football in possession this season – the question will be if they can continue to convert those positions into goals, particularly away from home.
Western Sydney Wanderers v Western United
Date: Saturday, 14 December
Kickoff: 4.50pm AEDT
Venue: CommBank Stadium
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
It’s a battle of the ‘Westerns’ as the Western Sydney Wanderers take on Western United on Saturday.
The Wanderers currently sit at the bottom of the table, with only one point from their first five games. They are set for a difficult challenge against their Melburnian counterparts who have just come off the back of a victory over defending champions Sydney FC.
Western United welcome back Chloe Logarzo who has been passed fit to play after missing last week – and the second match of the international window – due to concussion. She is likely to line up in the heart of midfield, with Chloe Lincoln their other CommBank Matilda between the sticks.
Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners
Date: Saturday, 14 December
Kickoff: 6pm AEDT
Venue: Perry Park
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
This match between two high-flyers is shaping up to be one of the biggest matches of the round.
The Brisbane Roar were top of the table heading into last round, before falling to an upset defeat away from home to the Phoenix. They will welcome back Tameka Yallop and Sharn Freier for this game and will hope that their Aussie internationals – as well as their home crowd – can help them back on the path of victory.
The Central Coast Mariners, however, are one of two undefeated sides in the competition, after a rousing comeback against Canberra United last round. Isabel Gomez remains injured but Jessika Nash will line up in the heart of their defence as they look to lift themselves up the table.
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets
Date: Saturday, 14 December
Kickoff: 7.45pm AEDT
Venue: Allianz Stadium
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Defending champions Sydney FC are desperate for victory, and will be hoping that fellow early-season strugglers Newcastle Jets can be an outlet this weekend.
Sydney currently sits on four points after five games after their late defeat to Western United last week. Playing the Jets in front of home fans will be a great opportunity for them to get back into more comfortable territory. Princess Ibini will break the all-time appearance record for the club in this fixture – they’ll be hoping to mark that milestone with a victory.
The Newcastle Jets will welcome back Natasha Prior as they look to compound Sydney’s woes. They have looked impressive at times this season, but need to find a way to be more consistent in front of goals. If they can manage that, a victory here is far from out of the question.
Melbourne City v Canberra United
Date: Sunday, 15 December
Kickoff: 7.45pm AEDT
Venue: AAMI Park
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Ticketek
Top-of-the-table Melbourne City will take on Canberra United in what promises to be an intriguing match.
City remains undefeated to start the season but has at times found themselves vulnerable in defence. However, they will be boosted by CommBank Matildas Bryleeh Henry, Leah Davidson, Karly Roestbakken and Laura Hughes, all of whom will return full of confidence after the international window. This game also sees the return of Holly McNamara from an ACL injury that she suffered last year.
That defensive vulnerability is something that Canberra United, spearheaded by Michelle Heyman, will be hoping to exploit. They’ll be disappointed with their defeat last week to the Mariners – they had 3x the shots in that match – and are in a position to really test City on Sunday.
Perth Glory v Adelaide United
Date: Sunday, 15 December
Kickoff: 8pm AEDT
Venue: Sam Kerr Football Centre
Broadcast: 10Play and Paramount+
Tickets: Perth Glory
The round ends with an unpredictable clash between Perth Glory and Adelaide United.
Perth lost in heartbreaking fashion last weekend, but at home for the second week in a row will back themselves to walk away with three points. With players like Kelli Brown proving that they are capable of scoring from anywhere, this weekend provides a real opportunity for the Glory.
Adelaide, however, has started the season very well. Matilda McNamara returns from international duty to solidify the defence, and the attacking threats of American Erin Healy and joint Golden Boot leader Fiona Worts will pose real questions for the home side.
