2015/16 W-League: Round 14 Preview

The final round of the W-League kicked off on Friday night with Adelaide United nad Canberra United playing out an entertaining and fast paced 1-1 draw.

The result meant Adelaide United were knocked out of the three team race to the finals and fall short despite a promising season.

This weekend sees the last matches of the regular season with the big one the “winner takes all” clash between the Newcastle Jets and Brisbane Roar on Sunday.

MELBOURNE CITY v SYDNEY FC

Saturday 16 January 2016 | C.B. Smith Reserve, Fawkner, Melbourne | Local kick-off: 2pm

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

While an already finals bound Melbourne City enjoyed a week’s break, Sydney FC had to earn their berth.

Goals from Kyah Simon (from the penalty spot) and Leena Khamis sealed a 2-0 win over the Newcastle Jets and the Sky Blues record 8^th finals appearance.

What to watch for: With the premiership wrapped up, a home final on the cards and a record points total in the books, the only think left for Melbourne City to achieve in the regular season is the perfect season.

While Canberra United went unbeaten in Season 4, no team has gone through a season with a 12-0-0 record. Ominously for Sydney FC, City are at full strength with all their players available for selection.

The question is will Joe Montemurro persist with the 3-4-3 formation or the settled and devastating 4-3-3?

For Sydney it will be able the back four. Their most experienced player Renee Rollason returns after weeks off from a knee injury. Whether she gets the start or Liz Ralston remains to partner Alanna Kennedy against a pacy City forward line will be an indicator of Sydney’s tactics. Will they continue the pattern of other sides of sitting deep or will they take on the undisputed league leaders?

Player to watch: Even with the star studded Melbourne City attack, 18 year old Beattie Goad has been able to make an impact.

It's not just on the scoreboard either – although she has three goals to her name – it is in the left flank partnership she makes with Steph Catley. Deceptively quick, Goad glides down the wing and often plays the right ball to open up a defence and put through a teammate.

Head to Head: Played 1 | 1 win (MCY) | 0 wins (SYD) | 0 Draws

NEWCASTLE JETS v BRISBANE ROAR

Sunday 17 January 2016 | Hunter Stadium, Newcastle | Local kick-off: 2pm

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

The Newcastle Jets up and down season continued when they were unable to breach the Sydney FC defence, eventually falling 2-0 to the Sky Blues.

Up north, Brisbane continued their late season resurgence with a comprehensive (and goal difference boosting) 4-0 win over Melbourne Victory.

What to watch for: If ever there was a battle of the midfield then this game is it. The engine room of the two sides have carried them all season with match up of recently crowned PFA December Player of the Month Katrina Gorry and Jets’ Caprice Dydasco the premier one.

The problem for Newcastle is even if they can get onto in the centre, they have struggled to finish off opportunities all season. For a team that has averaged just 0.8 goals per game, they somehow have to win by a margin of 2. And that will be against a goal heavy Brisbane Roar side who have averaged 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches.

Player to watch: This game is not about the individuals but the match ups and there are plenty that could influence the outcome.

Dydasco / Logarzo v Gorry / Yallop: All four have had a significant influence for their teams. Dynamic and hard working, the midfielders drive their respective sides.

Andrews v Polkinghorne: The Brisbane captain has been in great form of late and her leadership of the young backline has been second to none. Newcastle will be hoping Andrews can impose herself in this particular duel.

Simon v Gielnik / Marzano : Similarly the Jets captain has been strong in the last couple of weeks, not just defensively but also getting forward with excellent delivery. Meanwhile the wing combo of Gielnik and Marzano has opened up the play for Brisbane in the latter part of the season. If Simon and curtail their impact and get forward herself, it would be a asset for Newcastle.

Head to Head: Played 11 | 3 wins (NEW) | 7 wins (BRI) | 1 Draws

WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS v PERTH GLORY

A lacklustre Western Sydney Wanderers succumbed to defending champions Canberra United 3-0 on the road.

While Perth Glory finished off their home campaign with a 2-1 win over Adelaide United.

What to watch for: This is a match between two sides who have little to play for but pride. In recent weeks Perth will be looking to pack the midfield and control possession. The visitors will also be hoping Vanessa DiBernado’s scoring form continue. While for the Wanderers it will once again be about exploiting the pace on the flanks with Erica Halloway, Ellie Carpertner, Linda O’Neill and Alix Roberts all able to unsettle the Perth defence.

Player to watch: Although DiBernado rightly gained the majority of the plaudits last week, it was on the back of a strong and competent performance from midfielder Shannon May.

An inaugural member of the Glory, May’s work rate and distribution has assisted Perth in solid performances in the last couple of weeks and her link up with DiBernardo will be important again today.

Head to Head: Played 6 | 2 wins (WSW) | 4 wins (PER) | 0 Draws