Gungahlin United v Canberra Olympic  - AIS Grass Fields – 2pm Sunday

With Woden-Weston close behind in fourth spot, Gungahlin United’s clash with Canberra Olympic could help them solidify their spot and take them closer to the top two this weekend. United had the week off to rest last round after a punishing period of fixtures had begun to take their toll and will come into this match well rested and ready to go. United were pipped at the post in their last outing by a determined Woden-Weston, and the last time they met Olympic they were pushed all the way however should be ready this week. Olympic were humbled 8-2 last weekend and Gungahlin will be hoping they can use this as a chance to boost their goal difference too. 

The visitors struggled against the weight of Canberra FC’s attack last week, but still showed flashes going forward as they pounced on two separate goalkeeper errors to grab two goals. Gungahlin may not be quite so kind at the back this week with the league’s second best defence, and Olympic will need to create their own chances. They had no issues doing that the last time the sides met and if Olympic can start with the same fervour as they did in that matchup then they could pose a real threat here. But get off on the wrong foot as they did last week and it can all unravel.

 

Canberra FC v Belconnen United – Deakin Stadium – 3pm Sunday

Belconnen United can claim the PS4 NPLW Premiership this weekend with a result against second-placed Canberra FC at Deakin. Leading their opponent’s by 11 points already, a single point would give them an unassailable lead heading into the final three rounds and see them crowned Premiers. United cruised past Monaro last weekend with a strong display, with Maddy Whittall grabbing a brace and extending her lead over teammate Chloe Callaghan in the Golden Boot to two goals. United have dealt with Canberra FC comfortably when they have met this season, including at Deakin, but their opponents should have a little more fire in their bellies this time out.

Mark Risteski’s side flaunted their finals ambitions last weekend with a massive 8-2 win over rivals Canberra Olympic, and will hope that some of that form carries over into this clash. Chantel Jones was unstoppable in the middle of the park, aided by Grace Gill, and if she can assert herself on this match then the hosts will be right in it. With a finals spot sewn up already they will be looking to solidify top two and a double chance in the finals but this weekend will be a tough week to claim it. A loss here and a likely win for Gungahlin would sit United just four points behind them with a game in hand, so this becomes a crucial game heading into the back end of the season.

 

Woden-Weston FC v Monaro Panthers - Woden Park – 3pm Sunday

Woden-Weston can effectively seal their spot in the top four this weekend if they claim a win over the Monaro Panthers at Woden Park. Diego Elmoudawar’s side romped to a convincing 4-0 win over Tuggeranong last weekend and a win would give them an 11-point lead with three rounds left if Tuggeranong cannot overcome the Academy that afternoon. A consistent threat all year, the Wanderers last two wins have instilled confidence in the young side, and a finals appearance would be a just reward. The hosts are undefeated against Monaro this weekend but that includes a 1-1 draw with them in Round 11, a result Elmoudawar should be confident of not repeating. 

The Panthers come into this game off the back of losses to Canberra FC & Belconnen United, albeit vastly improved scorelines from those matches earlier in the season. Angelo Maralit’s side have made strong progress throughout the season but have still struggled at times, but should be confident heading into this match after the draw between these sides the last time out. With a tough run of fixtures coming up to end the season, now would be a good time for the visitors here to build some momentum that they can carry with them for the run-in.

 

Canberra United Academy v Tuggeranong United – Hawker Football Centre – 4pm Sunday

Tuggeranong United have their last shot at keeping their finals hopes alive this weekend when they face the Academy at Hawker. Eight points behind Woden-Weston heading into the match, anything other than a win would spell disaster if the Wanderers also get up. United struggled badly against them last weekend as a four goal second half blew them out of the water, and they will need to respond better to pressure on their defence this week. There will be no let up against the Academy though, with the collective margin between these two sides this year a resounding 11-2 in favour of this weekend’s hosts. 

The Academy had a break last weekend at the end of the NTC Challenge featuring many of their players, and will head into this match well rested. However, with their Federation Cup Final appearance looming on Wednesday Night, one eye may wander towards that and could have an impact on team selection. With the team ineligible for finals but able to win the cup you could forgive the players for thinking about the knockout competition, but they must still go out and look for the three points here. Against a depleted side who they have had their way with this year the youngsters will be expected to grab a result, but must focus for the 90 minutes if that is to be the case.