2015/16 W-League: Round 10 Preview

Round 10 brings some scorching weather to parts of the east coast and perhaps some equally scorching games with teams yet again vying to stay alive for the finals race.

Newcastle Jets vs Adelaide United

Saturday 19 December  2015 | Magic Park, Broadmeadow | Local Kick-Off Time: 3:00pm

Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #NEWvADL

Round 9 saw the Newcastle Jets fall to league leaders Melbourne City, but were able to stave off the attack and keep it a 0-1 loss at home.  

Meanwhile Adelaide United lost 4-0 to an in form Canberra United side, allowing two goals in the first ten minutes of play.

Last Encounter: A tight 1-1 draw in Adelaide with goals from Tiarn Powell and Tara Andrews in round 6.   

What to watch for: Newcastle Jets defensive duo Megan Oyster and Hannah Bromley have come up big all season, particularly in their round 9 game against Melbourne City. They’ve proved time and time again to be a force to be reckoned with in the defence.

The Jets attack, carried in by Gema Simon at times, will be critical. However as of recent weeks, they’ve had problems finishing and they will need to start getting players on the end of her dangerous crosses.

For Adelaide United Allira Toby and Rosie Sutton have stepped up well in attack this season, and particularly last weekend. Looking to monopolize on any potential missteps by the Newcastle defence will be on their minds.

Player to Watch: Abigail Dahlkemper for the Adelaide United side has had a massive season, stepping up in nearly every game she’s played. She will be critical piece of the Adelaide game as they come into this weekend looking to better last weekend’s result in a critical mid-season match for both teams.

Head to Head: Played 15 | 7 Wins Newcastle Jets | 3 Wins Adelaide United | 4 Draws

Canberra United vs Melbourne Victory

Saturday 19 December 2015 | McKellar Park, Canberra | Local Kick-Off Time: 5:00pm (Amended kick-off time)

Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #CBRvMVC

Canberra continued on in fine form in round 9 with a 4-0 win over Adelaide United with two early goals to set the tone of the match.

Melbourne Victory, with only one win on their belt, come into this game after a 2-2 draw against Western Sydney Wanderers after coming back from two goals down.

Last Encounter:  The last time these two teams played was in the semi-finals of last year’s W-League playoffs. It was hard fought by both teams coming out to a 0-0 draw by the end of regulation, only for the Victory to lose 4-5 in penalties.

What to watch for: Canberra seems to have finally found it’s rhythm, after an unexpectedly slow start to the season for last season's champions.

This team has stepped up offensively and defensively in ways that will make the Victory work hard if they want to score, but also keep the likes of Michelle Heyman and Ash Sykes at bay.

Up top, Natasha Dowie has given some direction to the Melbourne attack and with every game this squad plays they’re getting better and better.

Young defender Annabel Martin has played well this season, taking on Lisa De Vanna in their match against Melbourne City, and stepping up big in their round 9 game. Look for her in the back line, working with Thea Slatyer to keep this Canberra attack at bay.

Player to Watch: Kendall Fletcher, the workhorse of the Canberra midfield, will be coming into this game looking to run the full gambit. She’s proved herself critical to the defence and the offence in this squad and will be a vital player for the team.

Head to Head: 15 played | 7 Wins Canberra United | 6 Wins Melbourne Victory | 2 Draws

Melbourne City vs Perth Glory

Sunday 20 December 2015 | C.B. Smith Reserve, Fawkner | Local Kick-Off Time: 4:00pm

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* Listen LIVE on TuneIn - http://tunein.com/radio/Melbourne-City-W-League-Live-s256286/

Melbourne City maintained their unbeaten season with a 1-0 win over the Newcastle Jets, although it was not quite the team the W-League is used to seeing dominate.

Whilst Vanessa DiBernardo’s brace last weekend wasn’t enough to get Perth the win over Sydney FC in a 2-4 loss at home.

Last Encounter:  The only other time this team has played, Melbourne City walked away with a convincing 0-4 win over Perth in Round 3 earlier this season.

What to watch for: Melbourne City has been unquestionably dominant this season, and even in the shakiest of times still walked away with the win.

While last weekend may not have been their best performance, Jess Fishlock and Aivi Luik proving their consistency in the defensive midfield position is critical to this squad.

Both of these teams have the potential for powerful attacks and the Glory’s Caitlin Foord does well of ensuring that. Defending well against City won’t cut it if Perth want to get the points, they’ll need to score goals up top as well.

Player to watch:  From the moment she arrived, DiBernado has made an impact in this Perth team and with four goals in four games, she will no doubt be a threat to the City defence and an asset to her team.

Head to Head:  1 game played | 1 win Melbourne City | 0 wins Perth Glory | 0 draws

Sydney FC vs Brisbane Roar

Sunday 20 December 2015 | Central Coast Stadium | Local Kick-Off Time: 2:00pm

(Hyundai A-League double-header)

* Watch all the action Live from 2.00pm nationally on Fox Sports (Channel 505), or ABC TV. Or catch-up on ABC iView.

Sydney FC walked away from round 9 with a convincing win over Perth Glory, finding a rhythm and looking collected and calm on the ball.

Brisbane Roar had the bye in round nine.

Last encounter: A 1-1 draw from these teams in Round 8 of last year’s W-League season.

What to watch for: Kyah Simon netted a brace for the team last weekend and will no doubt be looking to do the same against the Roar.

Meanwhile Brisbane come into this game after a round 8 loss to Canberra United and Round 9 on the bye. The team will be looking to continue in their high pressure style, hoping to stifle any Sydney FC attack from the back.

Player to Watch: Katrina Gorry proved dangerous as ever two weekends ago and will be at it again in the Roar attack, looking to score some goals and cause problems for the Sydney defence.

Head to Head: 17 Played | 6 wins Sydney FC | 7 wins Brisbane Roar | 4 draws

Bye – Western Sydney Wanderers