Devonport Strikers vs Kingborough Lions
Date: Saturday May 15
Venue: Valley Road
Kick-off: 12:00 PM
2021 record: Devonport Strikers: 1-0-3 (sixth in WSL) Kingborough Lions: 1-1-2 (fifth in WSL)
Top scorers: Devonport Strikers: Jazmin White (3) Kingborough Lions: Laura Davis (5)
Preview:
This shapes as a crucial clash for two sides at risk of slipping out of contention, with Kingborough and Devonport both sitting well below where they would have hoped to be after six rounds. The Lions pushed ladder leaders Clarence all the way in a draw two weeks ago, but that good work was undone when they were thumped 5-2 by Launceston City last round. They have had no trouble scoring goals, averaging more than three per game, but their defence has struggled at times to contain the league's bigger attacking threats. That could spell trouble in this matchup, with Devonport's Jazmin White a proven scorer and a host of young talents supporting her. The Strikers have now lost four games in a row, though, with their lone win coming against South Hobart in round one. They have conceded the second most goals in the league with 15 from four games, meaning there could be plenty of goals on offer for both sides here. There's no questioning the strike force on either side, but this may come down to which defence can best stem the tide.Key player: Laura Davis, Kingborough Lions
Despite her side's struggles Davis has continued to excel this season, and she sits second in the WSL scoring charts with five goals. If this game does turn into a shootout she will need to hit the scoresheet for the Lions to stay in the contest.Olympia Warriors vs Launceston United
Date: Saturday May 15
Venue: Warrior Park
Kick-off: 4:30 PM
2021 record: Olympia Warriors: 3-1-1 (third in WSL) Launceston United: 4-0-2 (second in WSL)
Top scorers: Olympia Warriors: Mia Cane/Madi Chambers (5) Launceston United: Danielle Gunton (6)
Preview:
This could be one of the most decisive games in the title race this season, as one side will overtake the Zebras on top and the other will slip a little further behind. Olympia would have been disappointed not to stay level with United coming into this game after dropping points in a frustrating 0-0 draw last week. It was a game that they never looked like losing, but that they also didn't seem particularly likely to win. The glass-half-full view of that is that their backline continued to impress, and they have conceded the least goals in the league this season by a sizeable margin. That will be particularly important against a Launceston side that boasts the league's leading scorer in Danielle Gunton and last round's hat-trick hero Jessica Robinson. United came into this season with a reputation as a defensive side, but they sit second in the league for scoring and have blown teams off the park in several matchups. That will be a much tougher task on the road against the Warriors, but they would surely fancy their chances against a side suffering their patchiest form in some time.Key player: Kate Ollerhead, Olympia Warriors
A forward and midfielder by trade, Ollerhead has settled nicely in Olympia's backline after joining from Southern Championship side Beachside this season. She will have her hands full dealing with Gunton in this matchup, and as one of the more experienced player in the side she will need to set the tone from the first whistle.Taroona FC vs South Hobart
Date: Sunday May 16
Venue: Kelvedon Park
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 record: Taroona FC: 0-0-4 (seventh in WSL) South Hobart: 2-1-2 (fourth in WSL)
Top scorers: Taroona FC: Hannah Price/Holly Ayton (1) South Hobart: Niki Moutsatsos/Pishon Choi (3)
Preview:
South Hobart's defence was fantastic last round as they held Olympia to a draw, but it will be their forwards needing to produce when they take on Taroona. South have struggled to create goals since losing Niki Moutsatsos to injury, scoring just one goal in their last two games as they search for a replacement. That could change in this game against a Taroona side that has conceded more than five goals per game this season. South certainly have the personnel to break out of their scoring rut, with Pishon Choi, Misty Olsen and Eve Swain all capable of finding the back of the net. For Taroona, a competitive outing here would do wonders for their confidence after a tough start to the season. Goalkeeper Isolina Ottavi has battled bravely between the posts, but she needs some support further afield if her side is to earn their first points. At the other end they are still looking for an answer in attack, with just two goals this season despite some promising patches of play each game.Key player: Pishon Choi, South Hobart
Choi is a very capable attacking player and she has already matched her season tally from last season with three goals. South will need more in the absence of Niki Moutsatsos, though, and this game is the perfect chance for Choi to step up and start the ball rolling.