Ten, nine, eight, six, six, four, zero is the spread of W-League cumulative points, which means that the lead and the top four can and most likely will change in round six. Brisbane Roar will be hoping that won't be the case, with the season one winners and season two runners up, who moved into top spot after a slower start to the season, aiming to retain the lead.
They might be taking on the seventh-placed Adelaide United, but the down-on-their-luck Lady Reds upset Roar's apple cart in season two when Roar underestimated them. Roar, whose A-League counterparts are also on top of the table, will be focused and disciplined in this encounter. Aiding their efforts are the return of Amy Chapman from injury and the fact that the Starting XI is fit, injury free, and finding its rhythm. But Adelaide are due for a win, are playing without pressure and with nothing to lose, and shouldn't be written off.
Playing home but away in Wollongong, Sydney will be barracking for Adelaide against Roar as they look to recapture the league lead. They'll host Perth Glory in a match that, given Perth's improved, season three form, will likely be physical and evenly matched. Sydney are odds-on favourites, with fans starting to cautiously predict a Sydney v Brisbane season two grand final rematch come season three's end, but with the Sam Kerr and Kate Gill strike force up front and specialising in fast breaks, Perth could provide an upset.
In the round's televised match, fifth-placed Newcastle will be aiming to leapfrog up the ladder when they take on third-placed Canberra, who are just two points ahead. All eyes will be on Tara Andrews, whose brace late in the game against Sydney surprised and impressed everyone, and she'll be backed up by Sasha McDonnell and Kara Mowbray, who have brought Newcastle its previous rounds' goals.
Cian Maciejewski is out with a shoulder injury and Ashleigh Sykes is out with a broken leg, but with experienced and consistent performers Caitlin Munoz, Lydia Williams, Michelle Heyman, and Ellyse Perry fit, Canberra still boasts considerable depth. Always one to watch is Chinese Taipei import Tseng Shu-O, whose on-field flair is matched by her flamboyant hair colour. Newcastle will have its work cut out to overcome the league's quiet achievers, Canberra.
