Brisbane Roar are optimistic about the return of star players Tameka Yallop and Grace Kuilamu from injury ahead of their vital encounter against Melbourne City in the Ninja A-League this Wednesday night.
Despite a bright beginning to the season, Brisbane has only managed to secure one victory from their last nine fixtures.
Initially topping the table after four rounds, Alex Smith’s squad has since dropped to sixth position with only four matches remaining. The Roar’s situation could deteriorate further, as three teams are breathing down their necks, eager to claim their spot in the top six.
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A win for Brisbane against City at Perry Park on Wednesday could see them extend their lead to four points over seventh-placed Canberra United. However, overcoming the league leaders has been a significant challenge this season, with Melbourne City currently enjoying an unprecedented 19-game unbeaten streak in the Ninja A-League.
On a positive note for the Roar, CommBank Matildas icon Yallop and Young Matildas talent Kuilamu are both in the frame for selection after dealing with calf and shoulder injuries that kept them out of Sunday’s 3-1 defeat to Adelaide United.
City, on the other hand, have announced a robust squad for their trip to Brisbane, marking the start of their two away games this week. Following their match against the Roar, Michael Matricciani’s side will head across the Tasman to face Wellington Phoenix this weekend.
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Despite their unbeaten streak spanning 19 matches this season, City cannot afford to be complacent, with arch-rivals Melbourne Victory just two points behind them, having played the same number of games. Adelaide is also in contention, sitting on 39 points, just four shy of City, although they’ve played one match more than the league leaders.
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Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City: Ins & Outs
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Keeley RICHARDS, 2. Leia VARLEY, 3. Deborah-Anne DE LA HARPE, 6. Holly MCQUEEN, 7. Momo HAYASHI, 8. Mariel HECHER, 10. Grace KUILAMU, 13. Tameka YALLOP, 14. Zara KRUGER, 16. Chelsea BLISSETT, 17. Evdokia POPADINOVA, 18. Emily PRINGLE, 19. Laini FREIER, 20. Tanaye MORRIS, 22. Ruby CUTHBERT, 23. Isabela Hoyos, 32. Alicia WOODS, 99. Emma GIBBON
(Two players to be omitted)
Ins: 10. Grace KUILAMU, 13. Tameka YALLOP, 22. Ruby CUTHBERT
Outs: 5. Amali KINSELLA
Unavailable: 4. Kijah STEPHENSON (ACL), 11. Sharn FREIER (ankle)
Melbourne City squad: 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly McNAMARA, 10. Rhianna POLLICINA, 11. Emilia MURRAY, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 14. Laura HUGHES, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 20. Caitlin KARIC, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC
Ins: 11. Emilia MURRAY, 20. Caitlin KARIC (both promoted)
Outs: None
Unavailable: None
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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