Australia's star player, Sam Kerr, will not play in today's World Cup opener against Ireland due to a calf injury she picked up in training this week. The forward, who has scored 63 goals in 120 caps for 'The Matildas,' will also miss their second game against Nigeria.
However, head coach Tony Gustavsson can call upon the likes of Manchester City's Mary Fowler to lead the line in Sydney.
For Australia, Clare Hunt and Alanna Kennedy start at centre-back. Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley get the nod as the team's full-backs. Hayley Raso and Cortnee Vine start on the wings, while Katrina Gorry and Kyra Cooney-Cross form a double pivot in midfield.
Finally, Fowler and Caitlin Foord start as a pair upfront.
STARTING XI | Australia v Ireland
Our line-up for our biggest game yet…
Katie McCabe captains us in our first @FIFAWWC game 🇮🇪#COYGIG | #OUTBELIEVE pic.twitter.com/UrJkQDzj1C— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) July 20, 2023
On the Irish side, Denise O'Sullivan has been passed fit, as stated by Vera Pauw during the week. The Cork native starts alongside Ruesha Littlejohn in the middle of the park. The pair are both flanked by Marissa Sheva and Sinead Farrelly.
Courtney Brosnan will be in goal, with a back three of Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, and Megan Connolly in front of her.
Ireland's wingbacks consist of Heather Payne and captain Katie McCabe, while Kyra Carusa starts up top as the lone striker for Ireland.
Kick-off in Sydney is scheduled for 11 am Irish time and will be broadcast live on RTÉ2.
Australia: Mackenzie Arnold; Ellie Carpenter, Clare Hunt, Alanna Kennedy, Steph Catley (capt); Hayley Raso, Kyra Cooney-Cross, Katrina Gorry, Cortnee Vine; Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord.
Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Heather Payne, Niamh Fahey, Louise Quinn, Megan Connolly, Katie McCabe; Ruesha Littlejohn, Denise O'Sullivan; Sinead Farrelly, Marissa Sheva; Kyra Carusa.
Referee: Edina Alvez
MATCH DETAILSFIFA Women’s World Cup 2023Group BAustralia v IrelandThursday, July 20Stadium Australia, SydneyKO 20:00 (11:00 Irish Time)LIVE on RTÉ
