2015/16 W-League: Round 8 Preview

Round 8 sees some make or break match ups with teams outside of the Top 4 needing to make their move or fall further behind.

[FULL SQUADS]

Canberra United v Brisbane Roar

Saturday 5 December 2015 | McKellar Park, Canberra | Local kick-off: 3pm

Canberra United surged back into form with a fluid and attacking 4-1 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers on the road.

Brisbane Roar continued their slide with a fourth loss on in a row and third at home with the Newcastle Jets recording a 4-0 victory.

Last encounter: Brisbane ambushed defending champions with a 3-1 in the opening round of Season 8.

What to watch for: The Canberra United of the past two seasons were on display with the defending champions putting on a 90 minute attacking display.

Even with their Matildas unavailable, United were cohesive and fluid with their passing and movement proving too much for the Wanderers. It was a typical Canberra performance with Kendall Fletcher and Veronica Perez controlling the centre of the park and spreading to the flanks and the speed of Nicole Begg, Meg McLaughlin and Ash Sykes.

With the advantage of pace and experience in the wide areas, it would be unsurprising if the same tactics were employed against a Brisbane Roar who have hit a mid season slump.

Meanwhile Brisbane will be looking to keep this match compact with their strengths concentrated down the spine through Clare Polkinghorne, Katrina Gorry, Tameka Butt, Kirsty Yallop and Emily Gielnik. Belinda Wilson's side will also need to better finishing on display with the Roar netting just 1 goal in their past four outings.

Player to watch: After cartilage damage in both knees kept United winger Meg McLaughlin sidelined for all of last season, this season's return to the W-League has been welcome.  In a stacked forwardline, the 20 year old has had limited opportunities but is making the most of them.

McLaughlin last week played her most complete match displaying all of her pace and 1v1 ability that saw her represent the Young Matildas. Playing in the left, McLaughlin's combinations with Begg were lethal as they tore up the left flank it could again prove dangerous against a relatively inexperienced Roar wing.

Head to Head: Played 18 | 4 wins CBR | 10 wins BRI | 4 Draws

Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City

Sunday 6 December 2015 | Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Melbourne | Local kick-off: 3pm

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

It was the perfect re-start to their season following the break as Melbourne Victory bucked their recent form and claimed a 3-1 win over Perth Glory on the road. For the W-League favourites, it was a week off working well with international duty for eight members of the first team.

Last encounter: The last time, and first time, these two sides met was in Round 2 where Melbourne City, minus many of their internationals, defeated Victory 2-1.

What to watch for: This game will be all about the press.  Yes City have a host of impressive names but Joe Montemurro has set them up well and employed a high pressure game plan.

Melbourne City has the most impressive pressing game in the competition and so far no team has been able to find a way around it. The press starts from the front with the work rate of the forwards and moves down the pitch.  For Victory to make an impression, they will need to withstand it and then connect passes to work around it. From there, Victory now have their own weapons in the newly signed Natasha Dowie, Hayley Raso and Christine Nairn.

But first they need to get and keep the ball.

Player to watch: There will be plenty of attacking strike power from both teams on display in this match but arguably none more important than Natasha Dowie for Melbourne Victory.

In her debut match, the 27 year old was involved in all three of Victory's goals with her ability to hold up the ball and play in teammates at the point of the attack.  With City set to once again dominate possession, these traits will be needed as Victory look to hit on the counter.

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

Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers

Sunday 6 December 2015 | Lambert Park, Sydney | Local kick-off: 4pm

Undermanned and under pressure for periods of the match, Sydney FC held firm and recorded a 1-0 win over Adelaide United on the road, thanks to Jasmyne Spencer's first goal of the season.  For cross-town rivals, it was a thud back to earth as Western Sydney were handed a resounding 4-1 defeat by defending champions Canberra United.

Last encounter:  Two set piece goals from Leena Khamis proved the difference as Sydney FC claimed a sixth Derby victory  2-1.

What to watch for: Both teams have mixed up their line ups in recent weeks and both have an air of unpredictability about them.  Since the shocking start to the season, Sydney FC's defence has tightened up considerably conceding just two goals in the last four matches.

It has come at a small cost though with the free flowing, attacking Sydney teams of the past looking long gone.  What is on show now is a more deliberate attack but one that has the ability take advantage of a more open Wanderers side.  For Western Sydney they will be once again looking to make the most of their pace advantage on the wings. Moving the ball quickly and forcing 1v1 situations could be their best chance against a compact Sydney FC defence.

Player to watch: In the continual re-shaping of the Sydney defence, Natalie Tobin has quietly, as is her nature, settled into the right back role and barely skipped a beat.

Naturally a midfield, the former Young Matilda's ability to read the play and her passing out from the back has seen Sydney more stable on that side in recent weeks.  Her anticipated battle with Ellie Carpenter could be one to watch.

Head to Head: Played 7| 6 wins (SYD) | 1 wins (WSW) | 0 Draws

Adelaide United v Perth Glory

Sunday 6 December 2015 | Coopers Stadium, Adelaide | Local kick-off: 4pm (4.30pm AEDT) | (Hyundai A-League double-header)

* Watch all the action Live from 4.30pm (AEDT) on FOX Sports and ABC TV. (NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS 4.30pm, SA 4.00pm, QLD 3.30pm, NT 3.00pm, WA 1.30pm). Or catch-up on ABC iView.

** Listen LIVE on Radio Italiana 531 on 531AM or online at www.radioitaliana531.com.au

Despite having and creating many good chances, one lapse in concentration cost Adelaide United as they went down 1-0 to Sydney FC at home.  Perth Glory also suffered a home loss as they were found themselves on the end of a 3-1 defeat by Melbourne Victory.

Last encounter: Adelaide claimed a shock 1 – 0 win over the then dominant Perth Glory, inflicting their first loss of Season 7.  Adelaide was the one of only two teams to defeat Perth in Season 7.

What to watch for: Last week, both attacks were unable to make the most of their opportunities last week and were punished for it.  With both teams defences back to almost full strength, this will be able which team can take the few chances that will be on offer.

Head to Head: Played 12 | 2 wins (ADL) | 10 wins (PER) | 0 Draws

Bye – Newcastle Jets