Right, we’ve got the international break, and that roller coaster ride it brought, under us. Now it’s back to the killer action of the W-League. A place where Matilda meets Matilda and a sprinkling of internationals bring further intrigue into each match. I’m ready for my weekend to be filled with football once again! Hope you are too. Get especially keen for a late Saturday night thriller, with back to back games starting at 7.30pm. Here are the predictions for this rounds matches.
Melbourne City v Melbourne Victory
I’m drooling that we get this so early and both sides seem to be hitting their stride. For Victory this could be too soon, they’re starting to click and hopefully getting their eye in for goal when they feel like attacking, as was their previous game against the Jets. However City on paper look to be the stronger. They clicked last weekend and found the goals. This encounter is the battle royal for the midfields. For once Victory have a midfield that looks capable of mixing it with City’s. It’ll be tight, probably only one goal in it but I’m backing the paper and saying City will have the edge. Probably with a late goal winner to break my hopeful heart. Anything can happen in Derby’s though. So who really knows.
Prediction: Melbourne City 1-0 Melbourne Victory
Newcastle Jets v Canberra United
The Jets only have one game under their belt, then with the international break, whilst Canberra have two solid hit outs already. Last round saw the Jets looking to attack but unable to break down a Victory side that sat back and invited the attack. This will be different. Both sides want to attack, with Canberra looking red hot in attack this early season. Unlike the Melbourne derby, there is the real potential for goals here, so it’ll be worth tuning in. A worry for Canberra is the travel of their internationals, especially their UK duo in Corsie and O’Sullivan. While the Jets will have question marks over their centre back pairing with Crummer pulling out of Matildas camp with an injury. Still, I’m looking forward to what Smith can do bombing down the flank and whether Canberra’s goal scoring frenzy can continue. Honestly, long may it continue. It’s what the spectators dig.
Prediction: Newcastle Jets 3 – 3 Canberra
Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers
Perth’s first home match for the season, and WSW still looking for their maiden points of the season are the suckers making the cross country trip first up. If WSW are to have half a chance here, they will want to come out of the gate early. They’ve shown glimpses of promise in the first five minutes of each game so far, but have been unable to equalise on their opportunities. Whilst Perth have struggled to kick into gear until later in the game. If WSW can create a cushion they may find some points, but a Glory side with Kerr and Hill in their front line means they’ve got the grunt to dig deep late in the game and find what’s needed if a comeback is on the cards. If I were a hopeless monkey I would back WSW, but instead I’m going to hope they get their first points when I can watch them at Marconi. Perth have this, they’re the side looking more put together, WSW are still trying to figure things out.
Prediction: Perth Glory 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Roar like to play it safe when they need to, they showed that against WSW, being willing to defend all day long once they’ve found the goal. Bit like getting that one good grade in a class, to coast the rest off it on the back of you’re going to pass now so long as the bare minimum is done. Whether the addition of Japanese playmaker Yuki Nagasato makes a difference will be interesting, but it’s a philosophy that runs deep in the club. Meanwhile Adelaide looked a bit lost upfront in their sole game so far. They’ve got the quality there, especially with Heyman capable of scoring out of nothing. However whether they can find what it takes to break down a well disciplined Roar side is a massive ask so early in their season. If we’re lucky this may not be a snooze fest, but just in case I’m going to be putting my alarm on 10 minutes before full time to make sure I’m awake to catch what will probably be the most exciting part of the match.
Prediction: Brisbane Roar 1-0 Adelaide United
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 