2015/16 W-League: Round 5 Preview (Sunday)

Sunday's action is headlined by the Match of the Round with two teams looking to burst out of the crowded back in the middle of the table and two other teams aiming to begin their climbs.

Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory

Sunday 15 November 2015 | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane | Local kick-off: 1pm (2pm AEDT)

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

With the bye last week, Brisbane Roar look to put behind their loss to Adelaide United in Round 3.  For Perth Glory, they are also aiming to bounce back after a tough 1-0 loss to Sydney FC where their attack was denied by a resolute Sky Blues defence.

What to watch for: Last season Perth's defence recorded its best defensive record in it's history.  Meanwhile for Brisbane, they recorded their worst defensive record.

This season, both defences have been re-shaped.

Brisbane are anchored by Matildas co-captain Clare Polkinghorne with the rest of the backline young or relatively inexperienced promising players in Angela Beard, Ruth Blackburn and Summer O'Brien.  The Glory have gone for experience at the heart with Danielle Brogan and Kim Carroll flank by young fullbacks.

So far the results for both have been positive with Brisbane recording the second lowest goals against (just 3) and Perth - if you take away the Melbourne City result as that is sure to even out for every team - not that far behind. With the attacking threats from Gorry, Gielnik, Butt, Chapman, Kerr and Foord, which defence continues to hold will determine the outcome of

Player Watch: There are a number of players to watch in this encounter but today's match will be an interesting homecoming for Perth Glory defender Kim Carroll.  Carroll spent 7 seasons with the Roar notching up 50 matches, 2 premierships and 2 championships.  So far her move to the Glory has been beneficial both from a team and personal perspective.  Her good early form and knowledge of her former teammates could give Perth the edge

Head to Head: Played 9 | 6 win (BRI) | 2 wins (PER) | 1 Draw

Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne Victory

Sunday 15 November 2015 | Marconi Stadium, Sydney | Local kick-off: 3pm

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

After being dominated in the first half, the Western Sydney Wanderers re-grouped to produce a strong second half performance and record a comeback 2-1, last gasp, win over the Newcastle Jets; their first of the season.

It wasn't as much of a pleasant outing for Melbourne Victory as they slumped to their worst result of the season with a comprehensive 4-0 loss to second placed Adelaide United.

What to watch for: It's all about the attack with both teams struggling in the past couple of rounds to create and convert meaningful chances.

On the Western Sydney's side it has been about the execution in the final third. The midfield and overlapping full backs have performed their roles well but finding the back of the next has been hit and miss with the number of chances they have created in each match.  The Wanderers would be favourites for the possession count but they need to make that count on the scoreboard.

While for Victory it is about that the defence and midfield.  Melbourne have spent the last couple of weeks absorbing considerable pressure resulting in the minimal chances to get going forward.  If they can win half of the challenges and possession, it will be a start.

Player Watch: Listed as a forward on the Wanderers website, Erica Halloway has reality been Western Sydney's defensive star.  The full backs pace going forward has provided numbers in attack while defensively very few players have had her measure.  In a handful of games, the Illawarra Stingrays product has cemented herself as a key player for the Wanderers.

Head to Head: Played 5 | 0 wins (WSW) |4 wins (MVC) | 1 Draw