Launceston United vs South Hobart
Date: Saturday April 10
Venue: WMPS Park
Kick-off: 1:00 PM
2021 record: Launceston United: 2-0-0 (first in WSL) South Hobart: 1-0-1 (fourth in WSL)
Top scorers: Launceston United: Danielle Gunton (3) South Hobart: Niki Moutsatsos (2)
Preview:
Sitting on top of the table after a stunning start to the season, Launceston United will look to continue that winning form when they host South Hobart. They had to hold off a furious fightback from the Strikers last round, but United showed their resolve to claim their second win from as many games. A Danielle Gunton brace moved her to the top of the scoring charts and surely put her front and centre on the scouting reports of every other team, but it's clear that her side have plenty of goalscoring threats in their lineup. That might have been a concern for South Hobart's defence prior to round two, but they were rock solid against the Lions and conceded just one goal on their way to an impressive win. At the other end, Niki Moutsatsos was electric as she assisted one goal and scored two of her own. Just as Gunton will be the biggest threat for South, United will have their work cut out keeping Moutsatsos quiet.Key player: Georgia McMullen, South Hobart
If Moutsatsos was best afield last round, then McMullen was a close second. A string of sharp saves helped South to maintain the momentum and she marshalled their backline superbly. Up against the ladder leaders this week, she could be kept busy once again.Kingborough Lions vs Taroona FC
Date: Sunday April 11
Venue: Lightwood Park
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 record: Kingborough Lions: 0-0-1 (sixth in WSL) Taroona FC: 0-0-2 (seventh in WSL)
Top scorers: Kingborough Lions: Bronte Gadon (1) Taroona FC: Hannah Price (1)
Preview:
Kingborough opened their season with a surprising loss to South Hobart last round, and they would be keen to bounce back quickly with a good performance here against Taroona. A runner-up finish in the Summer Cup seemingly had the Lions primed for a title challenge this season, but a stumble at the first hurdle may put those talks on hold for the time being. Up against the bottom-placed side and a new team on the league, a win in this game is non-negotiable. On paper they should have far too much firepower, with Danielle Kannegiesser and Laura Davis sure to fire sooner rather than later. The onus may sit with their midfield group, both to stay tighter defensively and to provide better service for their forwards. All of this sets up a daunting task for a Taroona side that was thumped 7-0 by the Zebras last round. A Statewide Cup win over Ulverstone will give them some confidence, and their round one performance against Olympia gave a glimpse of their potential as they hung tough against the league's best side. They will need a similar performance here if they want to take home any of the points.Key player: Eli Cropp, Taroona FC
A proven goalscorer for Ulverstone last season, Cropp opened her 2021 account with a brace against her former side in the cup. If Taroona want to climb off the foot of the ladder this season, starting with this game against the Lions, she will need to carry that kind of form into the Super League.Olympia Warriors vs Clarence Zebras
Date: Sunday April 11
Venue: Warrior Park
Kick-off: 2:15 PM
2021 record: Olympia Warriors: 1-0-0 (third in WSL) Clarence Zebras: 1-0-1 (second in WSL)
Top scorers: Olympia Warriors: Mia Cane (2) Clarence Zebras: Caitlin Stalker/Madeline O'Brien (2)
Preview:
This matchup has been the main event in the Women's Super League for the past two seasons, and it looms as an intriguing contest once again. After struggling at times in the Summer Cup and slumping to a heavy round one loss against Launceston United, it looked like Clarence's days of title contention might be over. A 7-0 win over Taroona in round two put those thoughts on the backburner for the time being, and claiming a result here would put them right back in the conversation. They certainly have plenty of talent in their squad still, with six goalscorers last round and strong performers across the ground. While the Zebras will enter this matchup with some form, Olympia will be playing their first game in three weeks after a round two bye and a cup win by forfeit. Before that, though, they were undefeated through the Summer Cup and winners in round one. It's hard to imagine such an experienced side coming back from a short break with any rust, but the first 20 minutes may be the time for the Zebras to strike.Key player: Innocent Michael, Olympia Warriors
If the Warriors are sluggish at all from the opening whistle, it will fall on their captain to set the tone and kick them into gear. It helps that she is also one of the best players in the competition, able to control the tempo from the midfield and impact the game at both ends. If the Zebras are to have any chance here, they will need to keep her off the ball.