There is still everything to play for with three rounds to go of the Westfield W-League 2019/20 campaign.
Melbourne City may hold a handsome six-point advantage in the Premiership race but Rado Vidosic’s side aren’t home and hosed yet. And after letting the three-time Champions slip past them, Western Sydney Wanderers could still yet be alive.
Meanwhile, it is anyone’s guess when it comes to the make up of the top four. With Western Sydney, Sydney FC on 19 points, Melbourne Victory on 17 points and fifth-placed Brisbane Roar on 14 points, you simply could not be sure where any will finish.
What we are sure of is that it is going to be an almighty finish to another incredible season of the Westfield W-League.
And as we look ahead to the Finals Series, here are the biggest matches left in the regular season – ones that will decide the Premiership race, and who faces who in the Finals.
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REPORT CARD: Highs and lows of the 2019/20 campaign
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City
Round 12
Thursday, 13 February
AAMI Park
7.30pm AEDT
Melbourne City will have one hand on the Premiership if they can edge rivals Melbourne Victory in the opening fixture of Round 12.
City hold a six point lead over Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC and with those two in action 48 hours later, Rado Vidosic’s side could find themselves watching that game knowing a draw would give them the title.
However, beating Victory is not going to be an easy feat. Jeff Hopkins’ reigning Premiers have let their crown slip but nothing would be sweeter than denting their rivals bid for the Premiers Plate and re-opening the title race. Moreover, Victory know they must win to bolster their position in the top four, particularly as Brisbane Roar are breathing down their necks.
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Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Round 12
Saturday, 15 February
Cromer Park
5.00pm AEDT
But what if City slip up against Victory on the Thursday? Maybe, just maybe, a lapse from the City machine could open the door for either Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers to close the gap to just three points.
With second-placed Wanderers and third-placed Sydney trailing the leaders by six points ahead of Round 12, both will enter this one knowing three points is required to stay in touch.
It is a derby of immeasurably high stakes, even if you remove the fact that silverware is on the line. Sydney will be utterly intent on exacting revenge for their 5-0 drubbing to the Red and Black earlier in the season, while the Wanderers know they need a win with City at home coming next.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6117263231001
Western Sydney Wanderers v Melbourne City
Round 13
Thursday, 20 February
Marconi Stadium
7.30pm AEDT
Depending on previous results, the title could be heading to Melbourne before the two teams take to the pitch at Marconi Stadium. However, if the Wanderers are still in with a shout, Dean Heffernan’s side could put themselves right back in the frame by beating City on February 20.
Should City lose to Victory and the Wanderers beat Sydney in Round 12, a win here would put the Red and Black level on points with their rivals ahead of the final round. On the flip side, City could very well be heading to Sydney’s west knowing they can wrap up the title.
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Melbourne Victory v Sydney
Round 14
Saturday, 29 February
Marvel Stadium
4.00pm AEDT
You never want to emerge from the Big Blue defeated but stakes will be raised then Victory host Melbourne in Round 14.
It is a final chance for the two to notch bragging rights before the Finals Series, and potentially a must-win game for both to ensure they are playing post-season football.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514572001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6105053803001
Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar
Round 14
Sunday, 1 March
AAMI Park
4.00pm AEDT
Brisbane Roar will hope City have wrapped up the Premiership before they travel to Victoria here.
Before taking on City on the final Sunday of the regular campaign, the Roar face eminently winnable fixtures against Perth Glory and Canberra United. Ultimately, Jake Goodship’s side will want to have a Finals Series position wrapped up by the time they face City.
That is unlikely to happen. A more likely scenario is that Brisbane will have to beat City here in order to book their spot in the top four – potentially at the expense rivals Melbourne Victory.
