NPLW Rd1 Preview

 

 

 

 

Gold Coast United Women make the trip to Heath Park on Friday night to open their 2019 National Premier Leagues campaign against Eastern Suburbs FC.

After a barnstorming back end to season 2018, United will be looking to improve on their sixth placed finish last season.

With that in mind coach Michael Cook has set about strengthening the core of his 2018 squad making some strategic signings in key areas of the park, assembling a more experienced squad with depth in numbers. More than half of the 2019 squad are new to United colours. 

Cook’s biggest concern at this stage is choosing his best possible starting side with several players vying for selection across a number of positions.

 

New United players to watch

The performance of the Japanese duo, Rie Kitano and Momo Hiyashi, is eagerly anticipated. Both players have made stand out contributions in pre-season games. Ki is a box to box midfielder and Momo plays on the right of central defence.

Easts Suburbs FC at a glance

Coached by Karyn Langbottom the Tigers finished a creditable 8th in 2018 and will be looking to build on that performance via a squad that remains relatively intact, with a blend of experience and quality youth players.

Past Encounters

The clubs met twice in 2018 with Gold Coast prevailing 3-1 at Station Reserve and the two sides shared the spoils 3-3 in the reverse fixture at Heath Park.

How to watch

Kick off at Heat Park is at 8.30pm.