I’ve decided to do something no one has asked for. This season I will be delving my hand into match previews and predictions for each round of this W-League season. I may have missed the first round, but Sydney FC also forgot to show up in large parts of the first round, so you know, I’m just following in their footsteps really.
This weekend we have a Melbourne derby, always fun AND ON TV!!! Plus the return of some talented young Matilda’s, many of whom proved themselves last year and demonstrated their prowess in the recent U19 AFC Championship, where they just missed out on qualification for the U19 World Cup next year. With the addition of some more youngsters and every team having the opportunity to shake off the cobwebs last weekend, bar Adelaide United, this weekend is looking set for some brilliant match ups. So hold onto your seats, couches or the floor (whatever you sit on) and here is a mix of my predictions and a sort of preview for this weekend to come.
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory ||
Friday 3rd November 5.30pm|| On Fox Sports and SBS Viceland
DERBY TIME!!! Since Melbourne City have entered the competition, they have always looked the better team in Melbourne on paper. However I am going to go against logic and back Melbourne Victory for this one. No idea why. Just a feeling.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and say this game will be full of goals. City let in a few against Perth (*cough* FOUR *cough*). Meanwhile Victory, relying on reports, had a strong defence, but City’s new signings of Kyah Simons and Ash Hatch will have something to prove, and I reckon between them they will score a couple. Despite City’s strength in attack, I am still backing Victory to pull another surprise for the season, with Natasha Dowie hitting a few crackers to give Victory the edge to win it.
Prediction: Melbourne City 2 – 3 Melbourne Victory
Western Sydney Wanderers v Adelaide United ||
Friday 3rd November 7.30pm
This game has me split. One part of me was impressed with WSW once they found their gears last week, with Lee Falkon in the midfield. But then on the flip side, Adelaide haven’t yet had a game this season but are coming off the back of an impressive late run for the finals last season. Both teams have recruited well over the summer, and both want to be looking at pushing for a fourth place finish to have a shot at the finals. My head is going to follow my heart and say this game is bound to be a draw.
Prediction: Western Sydney Wanderers 1 v 1 Adelaide United
Newcastle Jets v Sydney FC ||
Saturday 4th November 5pm
I reluctantly forfeit the idea of Sydney winning the midfield in this game. The Jets are just going to be too strong with the likes of Tori Hustler and Emily Van Egmond. The beauty of football though is winning games relies on goals, and this week Sydney gain the use of attacking talents of the great Lisa De Vanna, plus young Matildas Remy Siemsen and Princess Ibini, losing the midfield might not be the end of the world. If the game is played through the middle of the park, the Jets should have the advantage. But for my own sanity, I’m going to back Sydney’s ability to use the flanks and get in behind the defence. So my bias opinion? Sydney to win this (hopefully by a few).
Prediction: Newcastle Jets 1 v 3 Sydney FC
Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory ||
Sunday 5th November 2.30pm || On Fox Sports and SBS Viceland
Ah I am drooling at the idea of this game. Yes the derby will be good to watch on Friday night, but if you only catch one game this weekend try and make it this one. Glory are gunning it, and seem determined to no longer by “nearly beens”, instead showing an intent to be champions by getting revenge on City last weekend with a 4-1 win. Meanwhile, the Roar are quietly chugging along and seem to be underestimated this season, but shouldn’t be. I don’t understand how any team with Katrina Gorry can be underestimated, but here we are.
If this was in Perth I would easily say that could have given Glory the advantage, but I think in Brisbane this is going to be a close game. Still I’m backing Perth to take it out, in dramatic fashion with a late goal from the ever reliable Sam Kerr. Because you know, #SamKerrFacts means that is just going to happen.
Prediction: Brisbane 1 v 2 Perth
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 