Season 10: Round 14 Preview

ADELAIDE UNITED v MELBOURNE VICTORY

Both sides come into this match following losses to Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC respectively. Neither side will be playing finals this season meaning Victory have missed the last three finals series and Adelaide extends their run of never having played past the regular season.  

Despite this, the last five meetings between these two sides have been high scoring with an average of over four goals being scored.

Adelaide has yet to keep a clean sheet and have conceded the second most goals in the league. Down the other end of the park, the Reds have scored the second fewest goals in the league and only one less than their opponents.

Victory’s defence has performed better than Adelaide’s on paper this season and this may just give them the advantage in this clash.

Melbourne and Adelaide have showed glimpses this season and finishing on a high will be important to both sides.

Player to watch: Natasha Dowie will be the one to watch as she often is for the Victory. Last time these sides met she was able to score a double. If she is allowed to play her game, Victory look good.

Last time they met: Victory ran out 4-0 winners over the Reds last time they met with a Natasha Dowie double and goals to Lia Privitelli and Jeon Ga-Eul. 

Head to Head:  Played 15 | 2 wins (ADL) | 12 wins (MVC) | 1 Draw

NEWCASTLE JETS v MELBOURNE CITY

Last round saw the Jets put five past Canberra in a win that ensured they would be playing finals football while City had a bye last week but played out a scoreless draw with the Roar the week prior.

This is arguably the most mouth-watering contest of the round. The permutations surrounding this match are many with Newcastle capable of finishing anywhere between second and fourth and City anywhere between third and fifth depending on this game and others.

The Jets have scored the most goals this season while City have the worst shooting accuracy in the league.

Newcastle has flown this season, putting in their best campaign since season one. Conversely City hasn’t reached the expectations many had for them.

They are the second best defensive unit in the league, only behind Brisbane in goals conceded and clean sheets. But have the second worst shot conversion percentage and the worst shooting accuracy.

Can City pull a big performance out of the bag when it needs to or will the Jets get their maiden win over the Melbourne side?  

Player to watch: This situation was made for some Jess Fishlock magic, whether that be a stunning long range shot or a killer through ball to ensure her side secures finals football. Emily van Egmond could be just as important to the Jets’ fate.

Last time they met: City’s best performance of the season saw them beat the Jets 5-2 in Melbourne. A Katie Stengel double was cancelled out by a goal to Kyah Simon and braces to Larissa Crummer and Jess Fishlock.

Head to Head:  Played 4 | 4 wins (MCY) | 0 wins (NEW) | 0 Draws

SYDNEY FC VS WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS

Both teams enter this derby off the back of wins. Sydney triumphed 2-1 over Melbourne Victory while the Wanderers came out best in a 4-3 goal fest against Perth Glory.

There’s playing for pride and then there’s playing for pride in a derby, this is exactly what the Wanderers will be doing against Sydney FC.

The Sky Blues still have everything to play for with a potential record-equalling third premiership up for grabs if they beat the Wanderers and Canberra beats Brisbane.

Sydney FC has won the past three derbies and hasn’t lost its last eight W-League matches after starting the season with a 0-3 loss.

Western Sydney has conceded a third of their goals against in the last five minutes of the game. Down the front end of the pitch, they will take confidence from their goal scoring efforts last round as they look for only their second ever derby win.

Sydney FC truly has come a long way since its poor start to the season. They have conceded the second equal fewest goals in the league and have a shooting accuracy over 50 percent.

Historically and given their more recent fortunes, Sydney should come out on top but stranger things have happened in the W-League.

Player to watch: Chloe Logarzo looked lively last week, scoring against the Victory and along with the other members of Sydney’s forward line, will look to continue the teams excellent run of form.

Last time they met: Sydney won 3-1 in the first derby of the season via a Remy Siemsen double and a Lisa De Vanna goal.

Head to Head:  Played 11 | 9 wins (SYD) | 1 win (WSW) | 1 Draw

BRISBANE ROAR v CANBERRA UNITED

Brisbane survived a scare from Adelaide United last week to eventually win 4-2 in South Australia while Canberra was on the wrong end of a 5-1 scoreline against a rampant Newcastle Jets.

This game is big for both sides. If Brisbane takes a single point from this game then they claim a record-equalling third premiership.

Canberra simply must win if they have any chance of playing finals. They will also need a favour from the Jets to avoid missing finals for the first time since the 2012-13 season.  

Brisbane’s strength is its defence. The Roar has the best defensive record in the league with only 11 goals conceded and six clean sheets.

Meanwhile, Canberra has scored the third most goals this season and has the best conversion rate in the league.

Player to watch: Hayley Raso. Her versatility means she can contribute to the team through goals and assists and solid defensive work.

Last time they met: A lone Tameka Butt goal was enough for Brisbane to get the win in Canberra in their last meeting.

Head to Head:  Played 22 | 10 wins (BRI) | 7 wins (CBR) | 5 Draws