2016/17: Round 2 Preview

Round 2 of the W-League kicks off with one of the more anticipated matches of the season that sees last season's first and second placed side do battle.  Meanwhile Sunday sees the Sydney Derby the headline act of day.   

CANBERRA UNITED v MELBOURNE CITY

Last season's semi finalists Canberra United sat out the opening round of the W-League while the defending champions Melbourne City had to work a little harder for their opening win of the season against the Newcastle Jets.  

What to watch for: This is match on paper puts up the league's best attack (Canberra) against the W-League's best defence (Melbourne City).  

Canberra United have stocked up on firepower in the off-season with former United championship forward Hayley Raso and American Jasmyne Spencer adding to offensive weapons of all time leading W-League goalscorer Michelle Heyman and reigning W-League Player of the Year Ashleigh Sykes.  With the bye in the opening round, Canberra also have the advantage of surprise with Rae Dower surely having poured over footage from City's opening match where they were tested by the Newcastle Jets.

For City it was a tough start to the season but ultimately one where their resilient defence held up against pressure from the Jets.  City aren't without their own weapons and Marianna Tabain continues to provide an outlet while Erika Tymrak had a promising first game.  Joe Montemurro would have been pleased that his key signing Lydia Williams proved her worth in the first game making several crucial saves to defend the champions' three points.

There are crucial battles all over the park but the midfield will be key in this one.  If City can control the ball through Aivi Luik and Jess Fishlock, they will be able to dictate the tempo of the game.  With the pace available to Canberra on the counter attack, the new role for Heyman at as the creative midfielder will be important.  Her ability assist the transition and spring Spencer, Raso and Sykes could prove the difference on the day.  This match could also hinge on finishing, particular against an imposing Lydia Williams.

Player to watch: After two seasons in Sky Blue, American speedster Jasmyne Spencer has opted for the green of Canberra United.  Spencer is now a familiar sight in the W-League and in the past two seasons she has grown into a feared striker.  

“I was ready for a new experience. I’m looking to learn a lot, and hopefully add a bit to the side for this season,” she said.

For much of her time at Sydney, the 26 year old operated almost as a lone striker but at Canberra she will most probably be deployed in a trio with fellow speedsters Sykes and Raso.

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

PERTH GLORY v BRISBANE ROAR

With the fastest goal in W-League history (18 seconds), Perth Glory commenced their 2016/17 season with bang.  Despite some scares from the Western Sydney Wanderers, the Glory held on for a 4-2 win at home.  For Brisbane their season also began with a winning home start as they recorded a comeback 2-1 win over rivals Sydney FC.  

What to watch for: A match between two counter attacking sides.  Both Perth Glory and Brisbane Roar are not too phased to give up the ball, particularly with the ability of their creative midfielders to transition well.  What will be the question is whose newly shaped backline has the ability to control the weapons of the other.

Brisbane's defence lead by Clare Polkinghorne and her centre back partner Summer O'Brien were competent in containing Sydney FC last week with the Sky Blues.  Their 27 demonstrated an ability to break up the play before Sydney could get going.  Meanwhile Perth's defence were under constant pressure last week and with clearance after clearance (26 in total) they were able to hold off the Wanderers attack.

Head to Head:  Played 10 | 3 wins (PER) | 6 wins (BRI) | 1 Draw

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SYDNEY FC  v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

While Caitlin Foord recorded the first goal of the new W-League season, it was Brisbane Roar who picked up the first win as they recovered to post a 2-1 win over the Sky Blues.  For the Wanderers it was also an unhappy road trip with their travels to the West ending in a 4-2 loss to Perth Glory. 

What to watch for: Sydney FC may have had the early running in this City rivalry but in recent encounters it has been the Wanderers that have made the more threatening side.  With the way Rich Byrnes has recruited in the off-season for the first time the Wanderers would have go into this contest as slight favourites.  Not only did they control possession last week against Perth Glory (57%), they also managed 12 shot on goal (scoring 2) in atypical Wanderers performance.  This is a team that has more attacking impetous and attacking threats with Katie Stengel, Paige Neilson (who was unlucky to hit the post twice last week) and the stability of Kendall Fletcher.  How Sydney are to counteract that in the absence of a game breaker like Caitlin Foord will go a long way to their prospects in this match.

Player to watch: Well a week ago this space would have been dedicated to Caitlin Foord however her absence makes the performance Leena Khamis all the more key in this match.  With her link up play from deep and her off the ball runs, Khamis continues to be vital cog in the Sydney FC attack.  

Head to Head:  Played 8 | 6 wins (SYD) | 1 wins (WSW) | 1 Draw

MELBOURNE VICTORY v NEWCASTLE JETS

Last season Melbourne Victory goalkeeper spoke about a need for character and growth for the Melbourne Victory in what as a difficult season.  Last week Jeff Hopkins side demonstrated a lot of character and resilience to come back three times to force a 3-3 draw against Adelaide United.  The Newcastle Jets showed that same strength when they took on the more fancied Melbourne City and took them up on their own game.  While they were defeated 1-0 with an 8th minute goal, the Jets would be dissappointed to not earn a point.  

What to watch for: The midfield and its use will be key this week.  Last week the Jets (38.9% possession) demonstrated how to play with limited possession while the Victory (60.5% possession) demonstrated the exacted opposite.  Sitting deeper to absorb the City pressure, the Jets were able to hit Melbourne - out shooting them 12 shots to 5 - by rapid transition via the flanks with fullbacks Grace MacIntyre and Gema Simon providing excellent outlets.  With potentially more possession available to them this week, a similar game plan - wide play with crosses coming in - should not be a surprise to Victory.  For Victory, they need to do a better job of utilising their possession.  The static nature (bar Dowie) of their attack made it difficult for Nairn and Koca to find holes in the Adelaide defence.  It was no surprise that the game opened up in the second half with the substitution of Kariah White with the winger's ability to find the space and make the moves proving a game changer.

Player to watch: If you looked up the definition of "classic number 9" in the dictionary there would be an image of Natasha Dowie.  The English striker is the quintessential forward and last week she demonstrated all the traits; an ability to hold up the ball and play in other players, a reading of the play and drifting into key areas and clinical finishing.  If Newcastle give her a chance or two, Dowie could make them pay.  

Head to Head:  Played 12 | 9 wins (MVC) | 2 wins (NEW) | 1 Draw

Bye: Adelaide United