Gungahlin United v Monaro Panthers – Nicholls 2.1 – 3pm

Monaro will have their work cut out for them this weekend as they look to snap a four-game losing streak in the PS4 National Premier League Women’s against Gungahlin United. Since the Panthers knocked over Canberra Olympic in Round 1 they have struggled, losing all four matches while conceding 25 goals in that period. Panthers put in a strong fight for the majority of last week’s clash with the Canberra United Academy but were brushed off in the second half, and will need to try and stick with Gungahlin through this one.

United will be looking for a third straight win after they too went down to the Academy a number of weeks ago, but the side has looked sharper since then as early season jitters have disappeared. The defence has tightened up in recent weeks and they have conceded only six goals in five matches, more than their opponents this weekend have scored all season. While Monaro have it in them to play well, Gungahlin will likely be too strong in this contest.

 

Tuggeranong United v Canberra Olympic – Greenway Enclosed – 2pm

Canberra Olympic will visit Tuggeranong this weekend as both clubs look to break losing streaks. Tuggeranong started the season strongly with wins over both Canberra FC and Belconnen United but have struggled to make an impact in the weeks since. The goals have dried up since those early weeks as three consecutive losses, including a dramatic game with Woden-Weston have set them back. A win here is crucial but with Meg McLaughlin no certainty to return this week, they will need a strong performance

Olympic have struggled in their first year back in the competition, and last weekend was no different as Belconnen handed them a 13-0 thumping. Rob Scott’s side have not given in however, still playing some strong football along the way. Against a weakened Tuggeranong side, this weekend may provide them with a great chance to pick up their first points of the campaign. Captain Nat McCann will play a key role in midfield against a side who can either press effectively or sit back and counter, and Olympic will need to be way of getting caught out if they do decide to take the initiative.

 

Woden-Weston v Belconnen United – Woden Park – Sunday 3pm

The match of the round for this weekend will see reigning Premiers Belconnen United facing off against Woden-Weston as they battle for a Top Four berth.

Fresh from a 13-0 thrashing of Canberra Olympic last weekend, Belconnen United will travel to Woden Park to take on Diego Elmoudawar’s rapidly improving Woden-Weston side. After struggling to four wins all of last season, the team already have two so far and sit fourth in the table after five rounds within striking distance of third. 

With Gungahlin above them and Canberra FC below them both having matches they may be favoured in, Elmoudawar will not want to lose ground to the sides around him. Having fought to a goalless draw with the other side from last year’s Grand Final Canberra FC last week, the side can take confidence into this week’s meeting. 

Belconnen will take some stopping however, as they slowly return to full strength. The dangerous Ellie Raymond returns for the Blue Devils this match after playing only 20 minutes all season while Chloe Callaghan scored six in last weekend’s rout alone.

Both of these sides are more than capable in attack however Belconnen’s defensive edge may be what gets them across the line. Antoni Jagarinec’s side have conceded only two goals all season, and have looked strong at the back in almost all their matches. Their only loss came as they were hit on the counter after pressing high, and the home side here would be wise to try the same tactic.

 

Canberra United Academy v Canberra FC – Hawker Football Centre – 4pm

An entertaining clash beckons at Hawker on Sunday as the Canberra United Academy host Canberra FC. The Academy are yet to drop points this season having faced all sides except for the Grand Finalists of 2016, and will be up against a stern test in this matchup. Aroon Clansey’s side have scored a league-leading 32 goals in their five matches whole only conceding six, but the Canberra FC defence will present an arguably more experience challenge than some of their matchups thus far.

Mark Risteski’s side had a grinding 0-0 draw with Woden-Weston last time out, but will want to take maximum points this weekend as they look to keep pace with the Top Four. The side has slowly been regaining full-strength since the season began as with them now looking a lot more like last season’s Grand Final side, they will be hard to beat here. With Captain Alice Churchill leading from the back and a dangerous attack including Grace Gill up the other end, experience is a big chance to prevail in this sure to be entertaining match.