2015/16 W-League: Round 7 Preview

A closely fought contest between Adelaide United and Sydney FC kicked off Round 7 last night with the Sky Blues moving into second with a tight win.

With Melbourne City having the weekend off, the other clubs will be jostling for ladder positions meaning this round will probably continue to see many tight matches.

Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory 

Saturday 28 November 2015 | Ashfield Reserve, Perth | Local kick-off: 4pm (7pm AEDT)

Both teams enter this Round 7 fixture fresh off a week’s break. Last start saw Perth Glory claim a crucial three points against fellow Top 4 contenders Brisbane Roar with a 2-0 win.

For the Victory however, a spirited last 25 minutes was not enough for them to overcome the Western Sydney Wanderers, falling to a 3-1 defeat.

What to watch for: Perth’s defence continues to be the bedrock of its season. Anchored by new captain Kim Carroll (who takes the armband after Sam Kerr’s season ending injury), Katie Holtham and Danielle Brogan, the experienced back four has been stingy with goals. Glory has conceded just 1.2 goals per game and, when you remove the City result, just 0.4 goals per game. The question for the home side is if they can generate enough offensive play to take advantage of a Victory team in transition this season.

For the visitors, they will be looking to leave the first half of the season behind them and hoping the mid-season break leads to a reset. The table suggests Victory have struggled across the park but there have been glimpses of hope with the performances of young midfielder Mindy Barbieri and the experienced Christine Nairn, Melissa Barbieri and Hayley Raso have played their part. Victory gains a little more maturity up front with the addition of Liverpool FC striker Natasha Dowie but piercing the Perth defence will take some work.

Player to watch: It was almost two weeks ago that Vanessa Di Bernado announced her W-League arrival in spectacular fashion. With the absence of Kerr and Foord going forward, the burden of attacking creativity will fall to the Chicago RedStars attacking midfielder. Her battle with fellow NWSL player Nairn could prove key to the final result.

Head to Head:   Played 13 | 6 wins (PER) | 6 wins (MVC) | 1 Draw

Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets

Sunday 29 November 2015 | A.J. Kelly Field, Clontarf, Brisbane | Local kick-off: 2pm (3pm AEDT)

Last start saw Brisbane Roar held their own for 45 minutes against the all conquering Melbourne City, before a red card saw the ladder leaders gain the upper hand and eventually the points.

On the road for the second time this season, the Jets continued to pick up points with the well deserved 1-1 with Adelaide United to continue to stay in the finals hunt.

What to watch for: After a solid start to the season, the last three rounds have been tough for Brisbane Roar with three losses on the spin, conceding 8 goals (although 4 were against City) in those games.  Returning to a strong defensive base will be one of the keys for this week.

The other problem for Brisbane has been that the scoring has dried up. However that has been a similar issue for the Jets with only 3 goals scored this season.  For the Jets the issue is compounded by the absences of Tara Andrews and Chloe Logarzo and possibly Rhali Dobson (who is due to have a fitness test). Whichever team can address the forward third will take the points and with Amy Chapman and Emily Gielnik available to Brisbane, the home team might just have the advantage.

Player to watch: When Newcastle were forced to re-build their midfield, there were real question marks on who would step into the holding midfielder roles vacated by the experienced Angela Salem and Amber Neilson.

While Chloe Logarzo (with the Matildas) and Caprice Dydasco have rightly gained the plaudits, Cassidy Davis has performed the no. 6 role well. Her sweeping in front of the back four has helped the Jets conceded the equal fewest goals while linking well with Logarzo and Dydasco.

Head to Head: Played 10 | 7 wins BRI | 2 wins NEW | 1 Draw

Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United 

Sunday 29 November 2015 | Central Coast Stadium, Gosford | Local kick-off: 2pm

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Western Sydney went into their bye weekend in the Top 4 for the first time since their debut season after taking care of Melbourne Victory 3-1.

While Canberra United were rewarded for a good performance against Sydney FC with a 1-0 win on the road and replacing the Wanderers in the top half of the table.

What to watch for: In terms of records this season, there is very little between Western Sydney and Canberra United.

With the loss of Canberra’s Matildas, this match up tightens up considerably more with both teams relatively even in all areas of the pitch. Pace on the wings with fullbacks with the ability to get forward and good midfields with experienced anchors. Canberra has the edge defensively and going forward but the encounter will turn on which team takes their chances.

Player to watch: Following on from last season, winger Ashleigh Sykes has consistently been among Canberra’s best players this season.

Sykes work on the flanks opens up the pitch for Canberra, while her pace get her regularly in behind the defence. Unlike last season, the 23 year old has yet to make a real impact on the scoreboard but it seems like only a matter of time.

Head to Head: Played 5 | 0 wins WSW | 3 wins CBR | 2 Draws