Premiership contenders change as much as the NBA’s MVP battle in the NPL NSW Women’s competition.
Manly United v Blacktown Spartans
At Cromer Park on Sunday, the Blacktown Spartans travel north to take on Manly United.
The Spartans are in some form right now and are ready to take anyone on. No defeats since round three and only one draw along the way has them flying high.
Only four points from first place, David Saliba’s team could only be an inch away from the league leaders if they win.
They were minutes away from rescuing a massive point but Manly fell late to another defeat.
We aren’t at the half-way point yet but the finals look to be getting away from United.
Sydney Olympic v Northern Tigers
It’s first against third at Peter Moore Field as Sydney Olympic host the Northern Tigers.
Olympic’s win on the weekend had them on top of the ladder.
Another win on Sunday will have them back there with more space between them and the Tigers.
The toughest defence in the league will need to be on their game as they host the competition’s top scorers.
It was a first defeat since round one for the Tigers on Sunday and to keep in touch with the teams leading the comp, they must pick up all three points.
Football NSW Institute v Illawarra Stingrays
Football NSW Institute welcome the Illawarra Stingrays to VSP this weekend.
The Institute are in a rough patch and Leah Blayney’s team have now suffered four-straight defeats.
It’s seen them spiral down the ladder and they currently occupy eighth place.
After two straight defeats, the Stingrays snapped that with a fine victory on Sunday.
Scott Chipperfield’s team have Michelle carney back and the captain showed how much of a leader of this team she is.
North Shore Mariners v Bankstown City
Northbridge Oval will see the North Shore Mariners and Bankstown City do battle.
One win this season has the Mariners in last place on the ladder.
Leaking early goals has been an issue and if the Mariners can keep their concentration to the fullest, they may be able to score a result here.
In 10th place, Bankstown will feel hard done by so far this campaign.
A win will see them move up the ladder and lead by Vena Milivojevic, they’ll feel confident going into this one.
Macarthur Rams v Emerging Jets
Lynwood Park will see the Macarthur Rams and Emerging jets face off at 4:30pm on Sunday.
It’s been a strange season so far for the Rams.
Despite that, they’re currently in seventh place and on a five-match unbeaten run, chasing down a finals place.
Another team that will feel hard done by this season are the Emerging Jets.
They’re able to create problems for any team so the Rams will need to be aware.
Sydney University v NWS Koalas
Our cameras will be at Sydney University Football Ground as Sydney University welcome the North West Sydney Koalas.
Alex Epakis’ side are travelling well, in second place and only a win off top spot.
The last time Uni lost, our cameras were also there, against the institute. They’ll be hoping not to see the same scenario on Sunday.
The Koalas, the draw specialists, have won two in a row and are currently in fifth place.
A victory will see them move above Uni on the ladder and right in the battle for the premiership.
By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer