2015/16 W-League: Round 11 Preview

The previous round saw Melbourne City qualify for the 2015/16 W-league final series but there are still seven teams fighting for the last three final places.

Christmas is finished for another year and hopefully the players didn’t have a big food coma because they need to be fit and firing ready for this weekends matches.

Round 11 sees only two teams from the current top four playing in this weekends three matches. It could be a chance for teams with a game in hand to pick up a point or three.

Western Sydney Wanderers v Newcastle Jets

Sunday 27 December 2015 | Popondetta Park, Emerton | Local Kick-off Time: 3pm

Join the conversation on Twitter using the match hashtag #WSWvNEW

Round 10 saw the Western Sydney Wanderers have a bye after there two all draw with Melbourne Victory. A week off has allowed for players to recover and recuperate before the last few rounds of the season.

Meanwhile, the Newcastle Jets suffered a crushing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Adelaide United.

Last encounter: Newcastle Jets lost 1-2 Western Sydney Wanderers in round 4. It was the first loss of the Jets’ season and first win for the Wanderers of the season.

What to watch for: The Newcastle Jets have a great attacking line but when it comes to playing the Wanderers it is rarely seen. While the statistics between these two teams don’t lie, it has been hard to split the teams this season. Wanderers have previously won all their games at home against the Jets with their only loss being last season in Newcastle.

Both teams have a poor goal difference with Wanderers on -4 and Jets on -1 but after the last match the Jets will need to focus on their defence if they want to break into the top four. In their last two matches, Jets have conceded six goals in two defeats while the Wanderers have conceded four in two draws. Jets and Wanderers will need to make focus on their defence and attack to ensure they have a chance of winning the game.

Wanderers and Jets are both equal on points with only goal difference separating them so it should be an equal game which could only take a goal to separate both teams on the day.

Player to watch: If anyone will cause trouble for the Wanderers it will be Newcastle Jets midfielder, Caprice Dydasco. She is a danger player if she gets near the 18-yard box, being able to both cross the ball and have a shot on goal. Watch out for her runs with the ball up the line but she can also run the ball through the midfield.

Head to Head:  Played 4 | 3 wins Western Sydney | 1 win Newcastle Jets | 0 Draws

^ Western Sydney Wanderers have not submitted a squad for Round 11. Final confirmation is pending.

Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC

Sunday 27 December 2015 | AMMI Park, Melbourne| Local Kick-off Time: 2pm (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.

** Listen LIVE on TuneIn – http://tunein.com/radio/melbourne-Victory-W-League-Live-s256287/

Both Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC are coming off 3-0 losses at the hands of Canberra United and Brisbane Roar. While Sydney still have a chance at making the finals, Victory are no longer in contention. Their opposition turned up to win the game but they didn’t.

Last encounter: Last season, it was a one all draw in round 4 with both goals being scored in the second half.

What to watch for: If Sydney FC play anything like their last match than Melbourne Victory have a chance to pick up points. Both teams will want to prove themselves after disappointing results which means it will be a great game to watch.

If Victory are able to maintain a strong defence throughout the game then they have a chance at being able to get a point against Sydney. Victory have had 22 goals scored against them this season and 13 of these have been at home, which is a worrying figure going into the match.

Meanwhile, Sydney will need to fix up their defence from the Brisbane game. However, their main concern will be being more enthusiastic. Last round, Sydney just didn’t show up to the game, Brisbane wanted the three points more than they did. If Sydney want to stay in the top four then they need to be fighting for every point.

Player to watch: Jasmyne Spencer was a standout player in the loss to Brisbane. She is able to make runs down the sideline as well as cross the ball into the box for a chance on goal. Victory will need to watch her closely if they want the win.

Head to Head:  Played 12 | 2 wins Melbourne Victory | 6 wins Sydney FC | 4 Draws

Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City

Monday 28 December 2015 | Broadbeach United Soccer Club, Broadbeach | Local Kick-off Time: 3pm (4pm AEDT).

Join the conversation on Twitter using the match hashtag #BRIvMCY

Brisbane Roar were back in the winners circle since round 3, defeating Sydney FC 3-0 on a hot after on the Central Coast.

Melbourne City on the other hand continued their undefeated streak as well as securing the first spot in the 2015/16 W-League finals series. A dominant 30 minutes from City saw them score four goals.

Last encounter: City ran away with the points in a 4-0 result, after a sending off Ruth Blackburn early in the second half.

What to watch for: At their last encounter it was hard to split the two teams in the first half but after a sending off the Roar came undone. The game will be won and lost in the midfield. It will be Roar midfeilders Katrina Gorry and Tameka Butt verse City’s Jess Fishlock and Kim Little.

Brisbane will need to ensure their defence is strong, solid and stable while City will need to make sure their attack is working together. City have the best attack and defence in the league with 31 goals for and three goals against. There are two questions, which need to be answered.

The strength of Brisbane’s team depends on the day, they have standout players across the board but will it be a repeat of the last encounter?

After securing a finals spot will City become complacent or will they continue their domination of the league?

Player to watch: Kim Little is the one Brisbane will need to keep their eyes on. She is able to run through an opposition teams midfield with ease and skill but she is also dangerous when she gets near the box. Although she only has five goals to her name but has helped set up just as much for her side.

Head to Head:  Played 1 | 0 wins Brisbane Roar | 1 win Melbourne City | 0 Draws

Bye: Adelaide United, Canberra United, Perth Glory