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The Newcastle Jets welcome state rivals Sydney FC to Wanderers Oval in Round 8 of the W-League.

Newcastle and Sydney were on opposite ends of high scoring games last weekend with the Jets defeated 6-2 at home by the Brisbane Roar, while Sydney FC’s unbeaten start continued putting on a clinic in their 8-2 thumping of Perth Glory.

These two matches were very similar in the way they played out; Newcastle preferred to play counter attacking football against the Roar, as did Sydney’s opponent Perth Glory.

Both the Glory and Jets had patches of success doing this but in the end could not match or contain the firepower of their opposition.

Sydney FC have plenty of players in form and firing.

Caitlin Foord picked up her first W-League hat trick last weekend while Jodie Taylor was named player of the match after another solid performance with her ability to attract defenders allowing space for her equally dangerous teammates to wreak havoc.

Most notability the brilliant interchange passing move with Catlin Foord for Sydney’s first goal and getting herself on the scoresheet in the second half.

Former Jet Nicola Bolger is proving to be a vital cog in the well-oiled Sydney attack.

She was involved in the build-up of several Sydney goals last week including a goal of her own. Bolger started the season against Melbourne Victory with a bang which led to a Matildas call up a few weeks later and has continued her good form ever since.

Bolger has come a long way from a player who moved to Newcastle after struggling to gain a regular place in Sydney’s line-up to a player who would now struggle to be left out.

A somewhat underrated player whose contribution can easily go unnoticed in a team boasting players such as Taylor, Foord, Sam Kerr and co., Bolger is churning out consistent performances each week and will no doubt provide Newcastle with plenty of headaches if provided some space around the area.

Bolger along with Teresa Polias controlled the midfield for the majority of the game providing ample opportunities for the front three in attack.

However their defence was a bit of a weak point with Sydney playing with a high line with the fullback pushing on in attack, this left them exposed on a number of occasions one of which led to Perth’s first goal.

This could be an area Newcastle will look to target as Sydney are likely to use the same tactics against the Jets and the pace of Rhali Dobson and Gema Simon could prove problematic if Newcastle are good enough to break out on the counter.

The two sides met in round 2 this season with the score line reading 4-0 to Sydney. However that was not a true reflection of the game as the Jets were in the game well and truly at half time, only to fade in the second half.

Sydney have improved since that day, hardened by their trip to Japan where they took on the best clubs in the world finishing third.

They will fancy their chances against Newcastle this weekend but certainly won’t be underestimating the home side who in years gone by have sprung more than the odd surprise against their more fancied opponent, with Tara Andrews having some good success against them.

Matches in the “NSW derby” are contested with plenty of passion in the W-League and this weekend should provide another thrilling chapter in the story.

Head to Head: Played 11, Newcastle 3, Sydney 6, Draw 2

Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC

Saturday 11 January 2014

Wanderers Oval, Newcastle

Local kick-off: 3pm

Newcastle Jets squad: 1. Eliza Campbell (gk), 2. Hannah Brewer, 4. Siahn Bozanic, 5. Ciara McCormick, 6. Ashley Spina, 7. Gema Simon, 9. Tara Andrews, 10. Rhali Dobson, 11. Grace McIntyre, 12. Hannah Beard, 13. Jasmin Courtenay, 14. Sophie Nenadovic, 16. Cassidy Davis, 17. Lauren Brown, 18. Clare Wheeler, 20. Claire Coelho (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Grace Macintyre (returns from injury), Clare Wheeler (promoted)

Outs: Stacey Day (omitted)

Unavailable: Maddy Searl (knee – season)

Sydney FC squad: Casey Dumont (gk), Liz Ralston, Alesha Clifford, Danielle Brogan (c), Amy Harrison, Caitlin Foord, Teresa Polias, Nicola Bolger, Renee Rollason, Jodie Taylor, Emma Kete, Leena Khamis, Trudy Camilleri, Sam Kerr, Chloe Logarzo Sham Khamis (gk) (one to be omitted)

Ins: Sam Kerr (returns from suspension), Trudy Camilleri (promoted)

Outs: Natalie Tobin (illness – one week)

Unavailable: Ellyse Perry (cricket commitments), Anna Green (Achilles – two weeks)