MyState Women's Super League
Launceston United vs Olympia Warriors
Date: Saturday April 17
Venue: UTAS Stadium
Kick-off: 11:45 AM
2021 record: Launceston United: 2-0-1 (first in WSL) Olympia Warriors: 1-0-1 (fifth in WSL)
Top scorers: Launceston United: Danielle Gunton (5) Olympia Warriors: Mia Cane (3)
Preview:
Both of these sides suffered shock losses in round three, and it will be very interesting to see how they bounce back on the big stage at UTAS Stadium. Launceston United would have been disappointed to give away a two-goal lead to South Hobart, particularly as they have built a reputation in recent years as a defensive side. Still, they sit on top of the ladder entering this clash, and a win over the defending champions would add further credibility to their title chances. They have the runaway leader on the league goalscoring charts in Danielle Gunton, and if her hot streak continues her side will always be a chance to win in any given contest. The Warriors played plenty of good football against the Zebras last weekend and yet managed just a single goal in a tight loss. That would have hardly seemed comprehensible in previous seasons, where their dominance was very clearly displayed on the scoreboard most weeks, but the talent is still there to convert more chances moving forward. At the other end of the field, the defensive leadership of Innocent Michael will be even more crucial than usual in a matchup with the league's leading scorer.Key player: Madison Chambers, Olympia Warriors
Chambers has been dangerous in every game this season, burning her marker on countless occasions and streaming down the wings, but she has hit the scoreboard just once. That is partly due to her tendency to cross from the wide areas, but with her teammates misfiring in the middle last game she may be better served attacking the goal herself. A big game is certainly on the cards from the star winger, and it could come sooner rather than later.NPL Tasmania
Kingborough Lions vs Devonport Strikers
Date: Saturday April 17
Venue: UTAS Stadium
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 record: Kingborough Lions: 2-0-1 (third in NPL TAS) Devonport Strikers: 2-0-1 (fourth in NPL TAS)
Top scorers: Kingborough Lions: Adam McKeown (5) Devonport Strikers: Nicholas Lanau-Atkinson (2)
Preview:
In what is shaping up to be the most even NPL season in some time, both the Lions and the Strikers find themselves in the thick of the title race three rounds in. Kingborough were handed their first loss of the season last week in a comprehensive defeat to Glenorchy, and they will face another tough task against the defending champions here. They may fancy their chances in a slower-paced game, though, and with Adam McKeown in irrepressible form up forward they could have the firepower to crack Devonport's defence. With their two wins coming against the bottom two teams in the league, this game will be a good indicator of where they really stand in the pecking order. The Strikers would be looking for a comfortable win sooner rather than later, as they once again dominated the general play against Riverside but just barely escaped with a 3-2 victory. That three-goal tally was their highest of the season, but with better execution in the final third they could have easily scored three more. They continue to rely on their defence to win them games, but with the second-least goals in the league that won't be enough forever. Is this a personnel issue, or can they find a way to score more freely?Key player: Jordan Lamb, Devonport Strikers
Lamb was lively against Riverside and found himself in goalscoring positions on multiple occasions but couldn't quite convert. If he can continue to be a threat and add a goal or two to his tally, this Strikers side will suddenly become much harder to beat.