The W-League premiership has been decided with Melbourne City taking it out in a perfect season, winning all of their 12 matches. We now move on to the finals, with two massive games of football this week to decide who will be crowned champions.
Canberra United versus Sydney FC
Sunday, 2pm, McKellar Park (Canberra)
These two teams have met twice throughout the season, with Canberra walking away the winners in both of their clashes. But this will count for naught if the girls in green can’t find the back of the net this week.
Why Canberra will win
A forward line that boasts Michelle Heyman, Ash Sykes and Veronica Perez is going to score goals. Add Caitlin Muñoz with her thunderbolts from range, Ellie Brush on the corners and captain Nicole Begg knowing how to get it done and you would expect a goal to arrive from somewhere.
Ash Sykes has been in career-best form recently, always popping up on the scoresheet as either the scorer or with the assist. Lydia Williams in the net has been solid, and with the team at the familiar surrounds of McKellar Park, where they haven’t conceded a goal all season, you would back them here.
Why Sydney will win
A 1-2 loss to Melbourne City shows the Sky Blue girls are in good form, especially compared to earlier in the season. A team with Alanna Kennedy and Kyah Simon is always going to be competitive.
Canberra is just a short drive up the road for the Sky Blues, so travel isn’t a factor in this match (when compared to Melbourne or Brisbane). Princess Ibini has been regularly finding the back of the net, and will definitely take it to Canberra’s defence. Sydney will look to exploit the Canberra defence the same way as Adelaide last week, giving them no time and space to operate and creating chances in dangerous positions.
Final thoughts?
If this game wasn’t at McKellar Park, I would not be anywhere near as confident in backing Canberra for the win. You can’t deny the facts, Canberra average 3-0 wins, and haven’t conceded a goal each time they play at McKellar Park. I don’t think they will get to those lofty scores this weekend, and Canberra will concede. Canberra to win 2-1, Ash Sykes best on ground.
Melbourne City versus Brisbane Roar
Monday, 4.30pm, AAMI Park
The other semi-final this week sees the unblemished Melbourne City take on Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park on Monday before the men’s A-League match.
Why Melbourne City will win
They have just completed a 12-0-0 season; enough said. With the squad that Melbourne City have, with Brianna Davis between the sticks and Steph Catley and Jess Fishlock running amok on the park, you know City are going to have the ball in control more often than not.
The fact Brisbane had to play a virtual elimination final just to get here might suggest they used everything in the tank last week. Also taking into account Brisbane’s lack control against Newcastle, if they start chasing the game against City they will find themselves a few goals down fast.
Why Brisbane will win
Katrina Gorry not getting a red card last week is a big plus for the Roar. It will mean the Roar stay at full strength taking on City. Throw Tameka Butt, Ruth Blackburn and Claire Polkinghorne into the mix and you have a very strong line-up.
Brisbane have the added advantage that they are the underdog, nobody is expecting them to win. All the pressure will be on Melbourne City, with the crowd behind them and high expectations, and Brisbane can just go out there and have fun. If there is going to be an upset, this would be the game where it could happen.
Final thoughts?
Playing at AAMI park isn’t a big factor, as Brisbane have played at Suncorp before and so know how to adjust to big stadiums. Even though I just hyped up Brisbane’s chances, I still can’t see a team that is 12-0-0 going down in the semis. The grand final, sure, but not in the semis. However, I think it will be done the hard way, with City winning 1-0.
A Melbourne City versus Canberra grand final is the likely result, but you can’t discount the talent and class of both Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC. City lose a couple of players to international rep duties, and Canberra didn’t look the goods against a hungry Adelaide. It will make for some exciting football.
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