Devonport Strikers vs Clarence Zebras
Date: Saturday May 8
Venue: Valley Road
Kick-off: 12:00 PM
2021 record: Devonport Strikers: 1-0-2 (sixth in WSL) Clarence Zebras: 3-1-1 (first in WSL)
Top scorers: Devonport Strikers: Jazmin White (3) Clarence Zebras: Sophie Fone/Allie Berry (3)
Preview:
The Clarence Zebras have once again emerged as one of the frontrunners in the MyState Women's Super League, and they will look to continue their hot form on the road against the Devonport Strikers. It was more business as usual in the Statewide Cup last week for the Zebras as they cruised to a 4-0 win over Taroona. They now haven't lost since a heavy round one defeat to Launceston City, a result that looks more and more perplexing as the points keep piling up next to their name. Allie Berry made a triumphant return in round five with a hat-trick against the Lions, and if she is a permanent fixture for the rest of the season the Zebras suddenly become that much more dangerous. The Strikers took a lead into half time against Kingborough in their cup matchup last week, but they couldn't quite get over the line and lost a close one. They have struggled for consistency early in the season and they will need a full 90 minute effort if they want to take the points here. Jazmin White continues to hit the scoresheet regularly, but she needs some more support from the rest of the Strikers attack.Key player: Sofie Fone, Clarence Zebras
She may be tied as their leading scorer, but Fone doesn't need goals to have a positive impact. She has had an excellent start to the year, setting up teammates regularly and finishing her own chances, and there's no reason for that to stop hereLaunceston United vs Kingborough Lions
Date: Saturday May 8
Venue: WMPS Park
Kick-off: 1:00 PM
2021 record: Launceston United: 3-0-2 (third in WSL) Kingborough Lions: 1-1-1 (fifth in WSL)
Top scorers: Launceston United: Danielle Gunton (6) Kingborough Lions: Laura Davis (4)
Preview:
This shapes as pivotal game in the WSL season, with both Kingborough and Launceston United capable of a title challenge but struggling for consistency. Launceston will be back at home this week and full of confidence, coming off a huge 15-0 win over Southern Championship side New Town. Danielle Gunton, Jessica Robinson and Madison Gilpin all bagged hat-tricks, and while it's hard to read much into a game with that scoreline all three have been in excellent form in the WSL as well. There's no question that this Launceston side has the talent to beat any team in the league on their day, but the same could be said for the Lions who will travel north with some confidence after a 3-1 win over the Strikers in the cup. Their last league result was a step in the right direction too, holding the ladder-leading Zebras to a 3-3 draw. Kingborough's potent attack has started to click in recent weeks, with Danielle Kannegiesser, Laura Davis and Bronte Gadon all finding the back of the net, but they will need to be at their best against a rock-solid Launceston United defence.Key player: Danielle Kannegiesser, Kingborough Lions
Kannegiesser has started to settle into life at the Den, with the former Zebras scoring three goals in her last two games. She remains one of the premier forwards in the league, and with so much atacking firepower in the Lions lineup she is just as valuable as a set-up player for her teammates.Olympia Warriors vs South Hobart
Date: Sunday May 9
Venue: Warrior Park
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 record: Olympia Warriors: 3-0-1 (second in WSL) South Hobart: 2-0-2 (fourth in WSL)
Top scorers: Olympia Warriors: Mia Cane/Madi Chambers (5) South Hobart: Niki Moutsatsos/Pishon Choi (3)
Preview:
These two sides met a week ago in the Statewide Cup, and it was the Warriors that advanced with a 3-0 win over South Hobart. Not only will South have to reverse that result, they will need to do so on enemy turf at Warrior Park. It's a difficult task, particularly for a team that is still missing key players through injury, but there is plenty of quality in their lineup. Bridie Cooling continues to develop and worked tirelessly down the flanks in last week's loss, and Pishon Choi and Eleni Moutsatsos are experienced and consistent performers. Still, they will need to put in a perfect performance to beat the high-flying Warriors on their home ground. Madi Chambers has worked into top form through the early rounds, scoring a brace in the cup and setting up countless more chances in recent weeks. The departure of Bonnie Davies to the NPLW Victoria is certainly a blow, but the Warriors should be able to cover her absence given the depth in their squad.Key player: Mia Cane
Cane has been in excellent goalscoring form, sitting second in the WSL with five goals from four games, but without Davies she could face stricter attention from opposing defences. She is certainly capable of performing under that pressure, and with one goal already against South in the past week she could be set for a big outing here.