We take a look at five W-League clashes from the opening rounds that will no doubt keep fans on the edge of their seats.
The W-League is just around the corner and it is set to be one of the closest seasons to date.
We take a look at five clashes from the opening rounds that will no doubt keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Grand Final replay
Round 1 – 3pm, Sunday, November 10
Melbourne Victory vs Sydney FC
What better way to start the year but with a first round grand final replay.
Sydney FC will again travel south to Victory-s Lakeside Stadium as they look to again come away another win after knocking off Melbourne in last year-s decider. Sydney FC will look to field an even stronger squad this season with the return of Matildas Danielle Brogan and Leena Khamis who both missed last season through injury but will be under no illusions that they will walk into Melbourne and be handed the three points.
Top teams face off
Round 2 – 3pm, Saturday, November 16
Perth Glory vs Brisbane Roar
Last season-s top two teams will face one another in the second round of the 2013/14 season as defending Premiers Brisbane Roar head west to face the Perth Glory. After both sides failed to make the grand final despite strong years they know that despite the clash coming early in the competition, it could have a big influence on the final standings at the end of the twelve round season. The Roar will no doubt be boosted by the addition of Europe-s female player of the year in German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.
Reds and Jets on the rise
Round 3 – 3pm, Saturday, November 30
Adelaide United vs Newcastle Jets
They may have occupied the bottom two spots on the W-League ladder in the 2012/13 season but both Adelaide and Newcastle are aiming for finals football this season. The teams traded home victories a year ago and know that a victory three rounds in could have them well on their way to a strong season. The Reds welcome new coach and former Adeliade United player Ross Aloisi while they-ll also be strengthened by the addition of former Matildas captain Melissa Barbieri.
Sydney derby
Round 4 – 5pm, Sunday, December 8
Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers
The Sydney derby will no doubt be one of the matches of the season as last year-s newcomers will look to claim their first win against their cross-town rivals. The Sky Blues came away with 1-0 and 3-2 victories on their way to winning the grand final but with a year under their belts the Wanderers will no doubt be a much tougher fixture for Sydney FC.
Roaring into the nation-s capital
Round 4 – 3pm, Sunday, December 8
Canberra United vs Brisbane Roar
Having represented Holland 95 times in her playing career new Canberra United coach Liesbeth Migchelsen is sure to be one of the W-League-s great additions to the competition for the 2013/14 season. She will be looking to ready her troops for the crucial round 4 clash as last year-s Premiers visit the nation-s capital. Canberra just missed out on the finals as they finished in fifth last season. Migchelsen-s side will feature two US recruits in midfielder Lori Lindsay and Stephanie Ochs but they-ll be sure to have a tough time finding the back of the net with star German recruit Nadine Angerer in goals.