Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League Round 14 Preview

Whilst one match certainly looks like having a major bearing on a position in the finals the other three games, at least on paper, look lopsided clashes. Upsets seem to be harder to come by in the league this season but is anyone capable of springing a surprise this weekend?
Undoubtedly the match of the round is the NWS Koalas and Sydney University game at ELS Hall Park. These two sides appear to be vying for that fourth spot in the finals behind Illawarra Stingrays, Macarthur Rams and Manly United FC.  
The Koalas were soundly beaten last weekend by the Macarthur Rams. There were excuses for The Koalas in that they were under strength due to injury and illness. However, its crunch time for The Koalas with a win in this game being vital to their finals hopes. The girls have played some good football during the season but have been hamstrung by the lack of an out and out goalscorer. This isn?t a problem that?s unique to the Koalas but they need to start getting dividends for their good work in the first two thirds of the field.
Sydney University surprised in dropping points last weekend via their 2-2 draw with Marconi Stallions. Like The Koalas, Sydney University struggled with a lack of player availability last Sunday and will be hoping to have things back to normal for this week?s match. Sydney University also share their opponent?s problems with taking advantage of scoring opportunities. They are capable of playing some enterprising football however and wouldn?t be out of place in the finals series. This is a must win game for them.
Here we have two fairly evenly matched sides with plenty to play for. That promises for an entertaining game of football in which both teams will be pressing for a win. The result could swing either way depending on the make up of the respective squads on the day.
The Sutherland Sharks will meet the Macarthur Rams at the Harrie Dening Centre.
Sutherland were very disappointing last Sunday against Penrith Nepean United. There appears to be a lack of spark in The Sharks side; something that looms as a significant problem when you?re about to face the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League?s defending premiers. I?m not sure how Sutherland can turn it around at the moment but they?ll need to be at the top of their game both physically and mentally to take something from this game.
The Rams are busy showing everyone that they are the side to beat for this year?s title. They?ve gone about their work in tradesman like style; winning many matches whilst not necessarily being seen at their best but lifting for others against their main rivals. Their strike duo of Renee Cartwright and Stephanie Haim seem to be in fine form, a fact that could prove deadly if The Sharks defend as poorly as they have recently.
On exposed form this looks like a mismatch. Sutherland will need to show a big lift in commitment if they?re to trouble the title favourites.
The competition leaders, the Illawarra Stingrays, will host Penrith Nepean United at J.J.Kelly Park.
The Stingrays are looming as the main challengers to Macarthur?s crown. Goalscorers are not something that Illawarra struggle to find with the likes of Michelle Heyman, Ash Connor, Hayley Kerrigan and Michelle Carney all capable of pulling a goal out of the hat. Things sometimes seem a bit harder for The Stingrays than they should be but, once they get into stride, they?re a formidable team.  If they wish to snare that Minor Premiership the recipe is to keep winning.
Penrith Nepean United have managed to find some winning form in recent weeks. Fielding a young, inexperienced side Penrith have been able to enthuse their way past Marconi Stallions and Sutherland Sharks. The girls played some nice football last Sunday against Sutherland but this weekend?s match represents a big rise in class. The confidence levels of the Penrith youngsters will have received a boost with their improved results. Sunday will be a major test though.
The Stingrays are keen to make the 2009 season their most successful one. If they feel that they can emulate Macarthur?s double of last season they must win this game on Sunday.
Finally, at Marconi Stadium, the Marconi Stallions meet Manly United FC.
Marconi have been struggling this season but showed a glimpse of form last week in a 2-2 draw with Sydney University. Whether or not The Stallions can build on that result is the big question but they?ll need to be at their best on Sunday if they?re to compete with one of the competition?s front running teams. This is a very different Marconi side in comparison to last season but one hopes that some of that great Marconi spirit will come to the fore on Sunday.
Manly United FC will be among the contenders come the finals series. They?re yet to prove conclusively though that they can match the likes of Macarthur Rams and Illawarra Stingrays. The finals are a whole new ball game though so the Manly side may be capable of surprising. Meanwhile they need to maintain good results and this is a game they?ll be expected to win. They won?t be able to afford to take Marconi lightly. They?ll also be hoping to make a definitive statement with a solid win.
Manly will attract plenty of support as the likely winners here. It?s not good to see Marconi so far down the ladder this season but beware the wounded Stallion.
So, that?s this week?s Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League Preview. Get out to a ground this Sunday and support your team. I promise you won?t be disappointed.
See you at the ground.
-By Ross Anderson