2015/16 W-League: Round 6 Preview

As the W-League hits the halfway mark, each match increases in significance and Round 6 sees three games that are set to make the Top 4 tasks of teams clearer.

Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets 

Sunday 22 November 2015 | Coopers Stadium, Adelaide | Local kick-off: 1.30pm (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.

Adelaide United were the latest team to be handed a defeat by Melbourne City going down 2-0 away from home. While the Newcastle Jets were once again left ruing their missed chances as they drew 1-1 with Canberra United.

What to watch for: For the two teams this season has been a tale of the attacking midfielders and forward lines.

Adelaide’s have impressed with Sarah Killion, Tiarn Powell, Rosie Sutton and Emily Condon all creating chances and, most importantly, finishing chances. While not the quickest forward line in the league, it is one with game smarts and calm heads.

The Jets on the other hand possess one of the quickest, if not the quickest, front third in the W-League. Forwards Rhali Dobson, Tara Andrews and Jenna Kingsley and Chloe Logarzo and Caprice Dydasco in the midfield have caused every team they have faced problems. The problem for Newcastle is they haven’t been able to be clinical in front of goal and it has cost them.

There will be no shortage of chances for the visitors but chances don’t win matches, goals do.

Player to watch: Not since Season 2 has an international goalkeeper taken out the Goalkeeper of the Year award (remember Jill Loyden?) but Adelaide’s Kaitlyn Savage has certainly made a good start.

The 25-year-old has made many crucial saves for the Reds and was again rock solid against Melbourne City. With the quick Jets, Savage will be called on again in this match.

Head to Head:   Played 13 | 3 wins (ADL) | 7 wins (NEW) | 3 Draws

Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar 

Sunday 22 November 2015 | C.B. Smith Reserve, Fawkner, Melbourne | Local kick-off: 2pm

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The newcomers are fast closing in on breaking their first W-League record and last week Melbourne City notched up their fifth successive victory with a 2-0 result over Adelaide United. Brisbane Roar suffered their second straight defeat on home turf going down to Perth Glory by the same 2-0 scoreline.

[OFFICIAL ROUND 6 SQUADS]

What to watch for: After a strong start, Brisbane Roar have fallen back into the pack and will now have to fight to re-surface and to do so they will need their attack to fire.

With the manner in which Melbourne City play, with a supreme possession and territorial advantage, Roar will need to be clinical with the chances they get.

This is an opportunity for Brisbane to not only get back into the winners circle but also to make a statement.

City are without their two key players and leaders in Lisa De Vanna and Jess Fishlock. While the depth will not be tested as it was in Round 2, they are certainly slightly more open to attack in the midfield and slightly less dynamic up front. Breaking up that rhythm in the midfield will be Brisbane’s best chance of success.

Player to watch: Aivi Luik has quietly slipped under the radar with the host of star names on the City teammate sheet but the 30 year old is City’s most consistent and reliable player.

With Fishlock absent and Little moved from the midfield to the forward line, her control in the centre and battle with Roar’s Katrina Gorry could be key for the championship favourites.

Head to Head: First meeting

Sydney FC v Canberra United

Sunday 22 November 2015 | Lambert Park, Leichhardt, Sydney | Local kick-off: 4pm

It could be said that the bye for Sydney FC came at the wrong time with the Sky Blues starting to build some momentum. That being said, Sydney FC will enter this match well rested and full of confidence.

Canberra on the other hand, as has been a familiar story in recent seasons, are still searching for early season form and consistency after last week's draw with the Jets. They will be wanting to continue their recent winning record against Sydney FC.

What to watch for: With quick and dynamic attacks, this match will be won and lost in the midfield with the engine room a big driver for both teams.

Canberra have struggled to gain the advantage in that area in their past two matches and they will be hoping the patience they showed against Sydney in Round 2 will provide the same service to the forwards and the same result. In that match Veronica Perez and Caitlin Munoz were critical with their ability to play balls in behind a square Sydney defence.

For Sydney not only will the midfield be charged with supplying the attack, they will also need to protect a defensive line that has undergone re-working and changes that leaves it relatively inexperienced. Captain Teresa Polias will have a big role to play in that screening but Kyah Simon, playing as a No. 10, will have her work cut out going the other way.

Player to watch: The last time Sydney were in action Alanna Kennedy was awarded Player of the Match honours after a strong display against Perth Glory.

With defensive lynch pin Renee Rollason absent for a month, central defender Kennedy’s importance grows as the most experienced player on Sydney’s defensive line, particularly up against an stacked Canberra attack.

Head to Head:   Played 11 | 4 wins (SYD) | 5 wins (CBR) | 2 Draws

Bye – Melbourne Victory, Perth Glory, Western Sydney Wanderers