It’s the penultimate round in the NPL NSW Women’s competition with finals places and the Premiership all on the line.
Sydney University vs Northern Tigers
The action kicks off on Sunday with a replay of last season’s grand final at Arlington Oval as Sydney University hosts the Northern Tigers.
Should Uni remain undefeated after this one, they will hit a landmark 30 matches without defeat, an incredible feat, raising the question if this is the best women’s team to play in the competition?
Epakis’ side looked incredible on Sunday and controlled the match with ease against the Koalas.
The Northern Tigers looked down and out at one stage in this revamped competition but have made some run.
Only one loss in the last seven has them in fourth place on the ladder.
Illawarra Stingrays vs NWS Koalas
At Ray Robinson Field, the Illawarra Stingrays will host the North West Sydney Koalas.
The Stingrays still have a mathematical chance of playing finals football.
It’s a long stretch but they won’t lie down that easy either though, in particular with Michelle Carney leading the line.
They’re still alive despite being 10th on the table the Koalas.
If they can pick up points in their catch ups they’ll be right in the mix for a top four spot, but they must win down the coast on Sunday.
Bankstown City vs Blacktown Spartans
Bankstown City welcome the Blacktown Spartans to Jensen park on Sunday afternoon.
It doesn’t look good for Bankstown and won’t be any easier when the Spartans come to town on Sunday.
The finals race may come down to goal difference and the Spartans will need to be at the top of their game in the front third.
Football NSW Institute vs Sydney Olympic
A massive clash at Valentine Sports Park on Sunday takes place as Sydney Olympic take on the Football NSW Institute.
It’s simple for Olympic, win and hope Uni doesn’t to decide the premiership in the final round.
A loss puts up for grabs their finals place although they are in control of their destiny.
As for their opponents, a loss could spell the end of their finals aspirations.
Only one loss since round two and they’ll probably feel hard done by after last week’s draw so confidence will be high at VSP.
Macarthur Rams vs Manly United
At Lynwood park on Sunday evening the Macarthur Rams host Manly United.
Only one goal conceded in the last three games for United has seen them move up to third on the ladder.
They’ll need to be focused and disciplined against the likes of Leena Khamis.
Macarthur can’t make the semis but can definitely build toward 2021.
With Kylie Ledbrook back, confidence has risen at the Rams and they finally won their first game on Sunday after four straight defeats.
APIA Leichhardt vs Emerging Jets
The Emerging Jets travel to lambert Park in the final game of the evening to take on APIA Leichhardt.
Pressure mounts at Lambert Park with finals potentially slipping away from the new girls and Matt Costantini.
Should APIA fail to win here, their finals dreams will be over.
The Jets have mixed it with everyone this season and gave even the best some trouble so expect much of the same come Sunday night.
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By Nikola Pozder, NPL NSW Women’s writer