Launceston United vs Devonport Strikers
Date: Saturday May 22
Venue: WMPS Park
Kick-off: 12:00 PM
2021 record: Launceston United: 4-0-3 (third in WSL) Devonport Strikers: 2-0-3 (fifth in WSL)
Top scorers: Launceston United: Danielle Gunton (6) Devonport Strikers: Jazmin White (5)
Preview:
The WSL edition of the northern derby looms as a crucial clash for both teams, with Launceston looking to keep close to the top of the table and Devonport at risk of falling into the bottom two. United were far from disgraced in last week's loss to Olympia at Warrior Park and they remain just one point behind the top two teams. League-leading scorer Danielle Gunton has been drawing plenty of defensive attention in recent weeks, but Jessica Robinson has stepped up to help with four goals in her last two games. Gunton may be able to shake free against a side that has struggled defensively at times this season, with the Strikers conceding 17 goals this season (second in WSL). The Strikers will be coming in with some confidence, though, after snapping a three-game losing streak with a win over Kingborough last week. Jazmin White remains their biggest scoring threat, but Danielle Mitchell added her second goal of the season in that win last round to become their only other multiple goalscorer and Maddy Payne was also exceptional.Key player: Georgia Anderon, Devonport Strikers
It was another composed display from Anderson against the Lions, and she could find herself under the pump again here against a team with plenty of firepower. A strong showing from the Strikers goalkeeper could go a long way to her side getting a result.Kingborough Lions vs South Hobart
Date: Sunday May 23
Venue: Lightwood Park
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 record: Kingborough Lions: 1-1-3 (sixth in WSL) South Hobart: 2-1-3 (fourth in WSL)
Top scorers: Kingborough Lions: Laura Davis (5) South Hobart: Niki Moutsatsos/Pishon Choi (3)
Preview:
Is it time to push the panic button on Kingborough's season? It certainly will be if they lose this game against a South Hobart lineup that has been hit by injuries and struggling for form. After making it all the way to the Summer Cup final the Lions have failed to replicate their pre-season form in the WSL, winning just one game from their first five. That lone victory came over the last-placed Taroona by a big enough margin to paper over some cracks, but last round's loss to Devonport has left them languishing just one point off the bottom of the table. Their new-look attacking lineup has scored only eight goals outside of that one big win, although Danielle Kannegiesser has started to work into top form in recent weeks. South would have been bitterly disappointed to be the side that gave Taroona their first win, but that could be somewhat forgotten if they could bounce back strongly here. Sophie Westwood has been in good form and netted her first goal of the season last week, and if she, Misty Olsen and Pishon Choi can all fire on the same day South could still be a very dangerous side.Key player: Lucy Roberts, South Hobart
As a senior player in this side Roberts will need to lead the way as they look to recover from last week's loss. She is a two-way talent able to impact the game in a multitude of ways, and she will need to be at her best here.Clarence Zebras vs Taroona FC
Date: Sunday May 23
Venue: Wentworth Park
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 record: Clarence Zebras: 4-1-1 (second in WSL) Taroona FC: 1-0-4 (seventh in WSL)
Top scorers: Clarence Zebras: Sophie Fone (4) Taroona FC: Hannah Price/Holly Ayton/Eli Cropp/Sacha Rose/Mei Booker (1)
Preview:
Taroona were fantastic in round seven and claimed their first win of the season, but they will face a much bigger test here against the Clarence Zebras. It was a well overdue celebration at Kelvedon Park last week as the home side beat South Hobart 3-1, with the ever-dangerous Eli Cropp striking back to help them recover from an early deficit. There is plenty of quality in Taroona's lineup each week, and an under-strength South Hobart side finally gave them a chance to show what they are capable of. Things won't be so easy away from home and against the Zebras, one of the league's strongest teams. They are coming off a bye last round, and for such an experienced team that rest will do more good than a week without play will do harm. Sophie Fone leads the way with four goals this season, but with eight different goalscorers there it's almost impossible for opposing defences to completely lock them down. Even with their winning form, it's hard to imagine Taroona doing so.Key player: Isolina Ottavi, Taroona FC
The Zebras are going to generate plenty of shots on goal, meaning Ottavi will need to be at her best to keep her side in the contest. If she can string together some saves in the big moments, a result may be possible.