THE RACE TO THE PLATE

An extended A-League Women season means that with 11 City games now played, we’re only just hitting the second half of the season rather than the final weeks.

It’s a welcome change across the league, and now the attention begins to turn to see who is going to be crowned this season’s Premiers.

After going so close last season, City will be desperate to add more silverware to its trophy cabinet and is currently right in the mix to do so.

It was a strong start to the season for City, getting some crucial early points on the board and netting 12 goals in its first three games to get off to a flying start.

A big factor in this was the brilliant form shown from Emina Ekic and Maria Jose Rojas. Ekic unfortunately has now returned to the US following a fractured fibula, while Rojas’ injury replacement contract came to an end – although she will be returning to City following international duties.

While the goals may’ve dried up a little in recent weeks, City’s defence has been a huge factor in continuing to chalk up the points in order to mount a Premiership challenge.

Both 18-year-old Naomi Chinnama and New Zealand international Katie Bowen have been in some great form since Round 1, while captain Emma Checker has been a welcome inclusion in recent weeks.

City currently sits second on the table – two points behind Western and four ahead of Sydney FC – although it has played more fixtures than both teams.

An away win on Saturday would provide a handy buffer over the Sky Blues, and could see City into top spot should Western United draw or lose.

It won’t be easy, especially given Sydney is yet to drop a point at home this season and is coming into the fixture fresh off having put six goals past Victory but expect Dario Vidosic’s squad to leave everything out there this afternoon.