Don’t look away, it’s only just getting started! What a season so far with only six rounds left in the NPL NSW Women’s competition.
Blacktown Spartans v Football NSW Institute
Football NSW Institute travel to Blacktown Football Park to take on the Blacktown Spartans.
It’s the fourth straight home game for the Spartans but they definitely haven’t taken advantage so far.
Four games without a win has seen them drop out of the five and David Saliba’s team can’t afford to spill any points here.
Only one win since round six has put the Institute well away from a finals place but they’re a team that can beat anyone on their day.
Emerging Jets v Sydney University
At Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility the Emerging Jets host Sydney University.
Watch out, the Jets are on a roll.
First they held the Stingrays to a draw and last week shocked the Spartans. They’ll be hoping to do the same to the league leaders.
You’d expect Alex Epakis to have his side on high alert after the Jets’ recent results.
Should Uni continue their form, they’ll be on their way to the premiership. Currently 12 games undefeated they are looking the real deal.
Macarthur Rams v Sydney Olympic
Macarthur Rams welcome Sydney Olympic to Lynwood Park in the match of the round.
It wasn’t the result the Rams were after last week but they struggled to get going, something the opposition took full advantage of.
With illness travelling across the squad and jet-lag, the Rams will be better for 7-days and will come in hungry to take all three points.
It’s a return to Lynwood Park for Rams favourite Teresa Polias as she faces off against her long-time club.
Inconsistent results across the last two months have the new girls dropping off the leaders pace but a loss here could see the chasers catch right up.
Northern Tigers v North Shore Mariners
At NTRA the Northern Tigers face off with bottom-placed North Shore Mariners.
Back home after three consecutive away games, the Tigers will look to continue their attack on first place.
They’ll feel confident they can take the spoils, especially having beaten the Mariners 5-0 in the earlier game in the season between the two.
It’s been a tough season for the Mariners but any points here would be positive for them.
NWS Koalas v Manly United
The North West Sydney Koalas host Manly United at Christie Park.
What a win for the Koalas last week, keeping their finals hopes alive.
A win here could see the Koalas sneak into the five and with the return of Princess Ibini and Nat Tobin this week it will only offer Jaime Gomez even more options for the squad.
We won’t see Chris Williams’ Manly in the playoffs but this squad will continue to build and prepare for next season.
With quality all over the park, the Koalas will need to be aware of the danger United pose.
Bankstown City v Illawarra Stingrays
Illawarra Stingrays go to Jensen Park on Sunday to face off with Bankstown City.
Should Bankstown fail to pick up three points it could be the end of their finals dreams.
Undefeated since Danny Abboud took over, this could be his sides greatest test yet.
Only one defeat in two months has Scott Chipperfield’s team with some chance of stealing the premiership.
Still though, their finals place isn’t guaranteed and a win here will go a long way to securing that.
By – Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer