Western United’s Liberty A-League Women debut against Melbourne Victory is just two days away, the match set to bring all eyes to the West as the Green and Black makes history.
With Mark Torcaso’s side entering the competition with big ambitions, this will be a big test against the reigning Champions.
READ MORE: Western United A-League Women pre-season stars
The match will see a host of huge matchups across the pitch that could be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the match.
Jessica McDonald vs Kayla Morrison
Jessica McDonald will be coming up against her former side nearly 10 years after she played for Victory, and she will be out to get the better of her compatriot Kayla Morrison.
The Victory captain will have her hands full with McDonald who has arrived with hunger in pre-season, earning two assists and a goal through United’s two friendly wins against Victory and Melbourne City.
McDonald’s pace, tenacity and ability to finish in a number of ways will be a threat to Victory’s defence, and she will need all of her talent to overcome Morrison in what could be a decisive battle.
Hannah Keane vs Claudia Bunge
Staying at the same end of the pitch, Hannah Keane has also arrived in Melbourne with goals on her mind having hit the back of the net three times for Western United in pre-season.
Her mix of height, strength and impeccable ball control saw her dominate throughout pre-season, and her ruthless finishing means she can find the net from anywhere when she’s given the chance.
Keane will face a stern test against New Zealand international Claudia Bunge, though, and will need to be at her best if she is to help the Green and Black secure the win.
Chloe Logarzo vs Alex Chidiac
Fresh from returning from Matildas camp earlier this week, Chloe Logarzo and Alex Chidiac could go head-to-head on opposite sides in midfield.
Logarzo has continued her recovery from an ACL injury and is ready to show the world her quality once again ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year.
Chidiac will be standing in her way and looking to replicate her excellent form from last season, with this set to be an intriguing matchup between two of Australia’s biggest national team stars.
Sydney Cummings vs Melina Ayres
With two clean sheets in those pre-season wins against Liberty A-League opposition, Western United’s defence has been led superbly by Sydney Cummings.
The 23-year-old Guyana international will lock horns with Melina Ayres who, despite missing most of last season due to injury, continues to be one of the competition’s deadliest finishers.
Cummings was able to keep Ayres to limited sights on goal in the pre-season clash and will be hoping to do so again to give United’s attackers the best chance of winning the game.
