So, the W-League has really been replicating the weather much of Australia has been facing, unpredictable where you’ve got to be ready for anything. If you’re a Victory or Adelaide fan, after droughts for the past few seasons, the Gods have opened up the heavens and it’s pouring some good results. Meanwhile City and Sydney fans, use to blue skies are looking at a far gloomier situation of perhaps losing touch of the top too soon into the season. Though do give a hand to the Wanderers fans, they’re out there somewhere without an umbrella, getting caught out as the season started far too soon for them to click as a side.
Anyway, weather aside, there are some good battles to be had this weekend. We need to talk about the brilliance each side can bring to each match and the challenges that lay ahead of them. So let’s do it.
Adelaide United v Perth Glory
Bragging rights of the West are on the line here. Both sides have been in blitzing form this season, all due to different parts of the pitch. Perth have ruled the roost due to their attacking ability, meanwhile Adelaide have demonstrated an impenetrable defence can be a very successful tactic. Not only is this game going to be a tactical mastermind, it will indicate which side can keep pace with top place Victory this early season. Very likely Adelaide will be looking to hold possession in this match, as they’ve looked comfortable doing in a few previous games this season. If this is the case, Perth will be looking to work on the counter, which has been successful so far for the side. The determinator of this one will be whether Adelaide’s defence can handle the quick counter attacks. Look Adelaide’s defence has been super smart all season, and I love good defences, so I’m going to back Adelaide and say they somehow manage to keep Hill and Kerr quiet enough to still win.
Prediction: Adelaide United 2 – 1 Perth Glory
Western Sydney Wanderers v Canberra United
On paper, this looks a gimme for Canberra. The Wanderers are struggling to do much this season, whilst Canberra with Jane in the side look to be ticking once again. However Canberra have struggled away from home this season and the Wanderers have some fire power entering the line up with Addo back from international duty. Where the Wanderers have been caught unstuck this season is clearing the ball from their own defensive lines, either dallying while in possession or just not hoofing it away when necessary. If they can do better with the ball, finding the urgency to move it up the field, Canberra won’t be having a field day. However, any slack passing around the backline and Canberra will be living their best life by capitalising on the opportunities. As it is, Canberra will be looking to take the momentum from a strong victory against Sydney last round and go two on a trot. There is very little here to say they can’t, outside of my vain hope that the Wanderers will manage to find some points. Also I’m still reeling from Canberra beating Sydney so well on the weekend, so I’m going to predict a draw in spite, just don’t trust me that it’s actually a true reflection of a sane person’s prediction.
Prediction: Western Sydney Wanderers 1 – 1 Canberra United
Newcastle Jets v Melbourne City
Neither of these sides have quite managed to translate their potential on paper to consistent results. City’s midfield looked like it was clicking last round, whilst the Jets can look terrifying upfront when they can work the close combinations in the final third. For the Jets to really be firing, it’s going to take Van Egmond to really dictate the game and not allow the Jets midfield to be overrun by her Matildas teammates in the other colours. One way the Jets could get around City’s midfield would be using pace on the wings, as they did against Canberra at home. City will be here looking to rectify their season though. Some points they should’ve bagged, they’ve let slip from their hands, so this is an important game for them. Honestly based off the form of both sides coming into this, we could be in for a tedious affair where both sides shut up shop in front of goal, leaving attackers with little space to play with. Hopefully it doesn’t fall that way and both sides can bag a couple and press their claim for moving up the ladder.
Prediction: Newcastle Jets 0 – 1 Melbourne City
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
This match never plays out the way it should on paper, expect nothing less here. The tale of the season has been Sydney’s star studded line up being unable to win all the points, whilst the Roar have stuck to what they know, kept it tight in the back and continue to find that one goal a match to take the points. It always takes something special to break down Brisbane’s defence, however if Sydney can FINALLY get things together in the final third, they may well have that something special. Brisbane were looking good creating things from the center of the field once Yuki was pushed deeper from her starting centre forward role, and if they can create that magic away from Kennedy, who is in top form despite her side not being, then Brisbane will be able to produce the goods in front of goal. For Sydney this has got to be crunch time, if they can’t figure out how to play here, then it’s going to be an early showers for the side at season’s end. But Brisbane really like beating Sydney at home, just look at round one last season. Either way, I’ll probably be a ball of anxiety the full ninety minutes of this one, so think of your Sydney FC fan friends this Sunday afternoon.
Prediction: Sydney FC 3 – 2 Brisbane Roar
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 