Can you believe it? Christmas has just passed and we’re halfway through the W-League season. The summer is whizzing past our very own eyes! I’m currently full of Christmas food, so the idea of food puns leaves me slightly nauseous right now. Still, with a lack of food puns, I hope you enjoy.
Canberra United v Western Sydney Wanderers
The Green army will need to come out in force if they have any chance of denting the armour of the clinical Wanderers. The deadly counter attack Canberra produce shows the promise of asking questions of the Wanderers defence. Against Adelaide, Canberra showed they can soak up pressure, however the Wanderers bring a whole other bag of chips with pressure. Canberra are unlikely to employ a high line to be caught in behind, but when one option is shut down, the Wanderers have eight more ideas.
Never back against Canberra playing at home, however, this time is probably the time I’ll break that rule this season. West Sydney have momentum, it’ll take an immovable object to stop them.
Prediction: Canberra United 0 – 2 Western Sydney Wanderers
Perth Glory v Melbourne Victory
Melbourne Victory will be out for blood as the side attempts to bounce back and make something out of their season. While Perth have looked eye catching on the counter, and the industrious work of Morgan Andrews shouldn’t be underestimated. But the Western Australian side have a mountain to climb if they want to put anything past Casey Dumont in goals. The stunning form of Dumont, along with her centre backs who are really clicking, will make Victory strong in the back.
Whether the game has goals in it will depend on whether Natasha Dowie can hit some goalscoring form again. Glory looked strong through the centre, so Dowie won’t find it easy. However if Victory can get their flanks working and play direct they should come away with a win.
Prediction: Perth Glory 1 – 3 Melbourne Victory
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Sydney are a wounded dog right now. They’re not familiar with thrashings and their reaction will come down to the squad’s character. That’s something you can’t draw lines on a sheet of paper and predict based on form. Adelaide are unfortunately in a much too familiar position, like a dog continually deciding to chase their tail. Similar to Sydney, they’ll need to dig deep and show their character to resurrect a season that looks lifeless.
A lapse in concentration has been Adelaide’s downfall this season. That rhythm has potential to continue with Remy Siemsen’s knack for finding an early goal. An early goal could be the game changer here. Whoever finds it will have the momentum to win.
Prediction: Sydney FC 1 – 0 Adelaide United
Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Struggle street for finding goals. These two clubs have differing problems at the top end of the park. Roar can create all the opportunities from their midfield, but are still missing the out and out number nine to truly bury chances. For the Jets, it’s a matter of having the ball long enough to get into goal scoring positions. Another hurdle for the Newcastle side is isolated forwards when the ball does get to the final third.
A roaring home crowd behind them, and something to play for in points that will boost them closer to a final four, Brisbane have to be favourites. To break down the Jets defence though is the problem. At the back Newcastle are absolutely rock solid, without something spectacular or an experienced number nine suddenly hitting the pack, it’s easy to see a stalemate in this one.
Prediction: Brisbane Roar 0 – 0 Newcastle Jets
MOLLY'S FOOTY RANTS 