The return of midfield dynamo Katrina Gorry last weekend was a major boost for the Victory and her combination going forward with striker Jodie Taylor could prove to be key.
The visitors still have a lengthy winless run hanging over their heads but, in truth, it is a statistic that belies their competitive start to the campaign.
Even a small dose of luck in front of goal could easily have seen the Lady Reds collect their first point over the past fortnight against either Perth Glory on the road, or Brisbane Roar at home. United’s squad will be boosted by return of their Australian U-17 trio - Emma Checker, Grace Henry and Ebony Philcox.
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
Saturday 19 November 2011
Veneto Club, Bulleen
Local kick-off: 5pm
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Brianna DAVEY (gk), 2.Rebekah STOTT, 3. Maika RUYTER-HOOLEY, 4. Kendall FLETCHER, 5. Danielle JOHNSON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY, 8. Ashley BROWN, 9. Georgie KOUTROUVELIS, 10. Jodie TAYLOR (c), 11. Caitlin FRIEND, 12. Jackie VOGT, 13. Katrina GORRY 14. Enza BARILLA, 15. Amy JACKSON, 16. Louisa BISBY, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Stephanie TANTI, 19. Laura SPIRANOVIC, 20. Cassandra Dimovski (gk)
* four to be omitted
In: Laura Spiranovic (returns from injury), Georgie Koutrouvelis, Jackie Vogt, Enza Barilla, Stephanie Tanti (all promoted)
Out: Rita Mankowska (suspended – 1 week)
Adelaide United squad: 20. Kristi HARVEY (Gk), 3.Anna GREEN, 4. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 5. Abby ERCEG (c), 6. Ebony PHILCOX, 7. Racheal QUIGLEY, 8. Leanne SLATER, 9. Marijana RAJCIC, 11. Ashleigh GUNNING, 12. Greta FRENCH-KENNEDY, 13. Vanessa REED, 14. Donna COCKAYNE, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Grace HENRY 17. Katherine EBBS, 18. Georgia MACRI, 19. Nenita BURGESS, 1. Sian MCLAREN (RGK)
* three to be omitted
In: Emma Checker, Grace Henry, Ebony Philcox (All return from international duty - Australia U-17)
Out: Ruth Wallace (injured)
Unavailable: Angela Fimmano (injured)