Round 12 pits Altona City and Ashburton, and Box Hill Inter and Bendigo Vipers against each other, while Preston Lions host Sandringham, and Heidelberg United play South Melbourne on Monday night.
Box Hill Inter host Bendigo Vipers at Wembley Park on Saturday, in Box Hill's only home game not being played on a Friday night. Box Hill Inter will be looking for their seventh win of the season, while the Vipers will be after the three points to put them into equal fourth with Ashburton and Casey Comets.
In their round two match, the Vipers were able to hold Box Hill Inter to a scoreless draw at Epsom and they'll be keen to keep Box Hill scoreless again, but it will be a tough ask. Box Hill Inter have scored in every other match in season 2010, including three matches where they have scored four goals or more.
Vipers Coach Peter Richardson says that his side will welcome a few players back this weekend and they're ready for a good effort.
"We have given Box Hill a good run at home and away. We're not worried about them and we'll have a strong line-up. Our only issue is Wembley Park - they'll know how to play it."
Preston Lions return from their two week break to take on third placed Sandringham at BT Connor Reserve on Sunday.
Sandringham have been competitive in their last few matches, but haven't been able to pull off a win, and will be hoping they can do so in round 12. Preston Lions need a few more wins for the season if they want to stay in the WPL, and a win this weekend will potentially draw them level with Altona City and South Melbourne and off the bottom of the ladder.
Sandringham Coach Shaun Parton is looking for improvement from his team after the week off.
"We have a few girls coming back this week, and we had a good rest last week."
Preston Lions Coach Spiro Thalassinos is fairly upbeat and positive for the weekend's match.
"We've had three weeks rest and have had time to recuperate and get more players back. It's been nice to train with a squad of 20 rather than 11.
"We've had talks and are trying to avoid the drop but we're really just focussing on how we go from week to week. We matched up well against Sandy last time, but I've seen them recently and they're a different team now. We're hoping to be competitive."
Ashburton host Altona City on Sunday from 3pm at Ashburton Park. Altona City are looking the goods at present, with a great win in round 11 over Casey Comets at home. Their opponents Ashburton have had indifferent form, with a disappointing 5-0 loss to Box Hill Inter, and have not won a match since round seven.
With his tongue firmly planted in his cheek, Altona City Coach Paul Kilpatrick jokes that he has another easy game this weekend.
"Another easy side! There are no easy games in the WPL. Hopefully we'll go into the game thinking we can do it. Most would have thought we'd lose to Casey 4-0, so that will give us confidence and the girls will back themselves in the contests. We just need to put in a good performance this week."
Ashburton Coach Chris Michail says that the win against Altona City last time they met was a good result, but it'll be difficult to win again.
"We'll have two defenders missing again this weekend and it was 4-2 last time against Altona City, so we'll need to be on our game. We really need to improve our concentration and be aware of what's dangerous.
"The only way is up from here."
Heidelberg United face off against South Melbourne on Monday night at Olympic Village.
Heidelberg United have shown the competition that they are in damaging form, with five consecutive wins and 17 goals in those matches. South Melbourne are also on the improve, but were held well by the Vipers in round 11 at home.
The last time these sides met, Heidelberg United defeated South Melbourne 4-0, but in recent weeks, South Melbourne have shown they can match it with the top sides with two wins and a two draws.
Heidelberg United Coach John Lioupas can feel a bit of pressure now that Heidelberg United is in top spot.
"We've got Box Hill Inter breathing down our necks and with a better goal difference. We're trying to maintain our momentum at the moment, and left the intensity.
"Sarah Groenewald will be back which gives us a bit of depth. It will be an interesting game."
South Melbourne Assistant Coach Matthew Shaw will welcome a few players back this weekend, but the team needs to lift if they want points this weekend.
"Amelia [Spiranovic] returns for the match, so now we're just missing Niki Cook. We need to lift our game, score more, be more precise in our passing and lift the intensity. Heidelberg are a very good side - they're up there with Box Hill and we'll need to be at our best."
Casey Comets sit out the round with a bye, and will be raring to go in round 13 when they take on Sandringham at home.
For full fixture details please visit the Competitions section of the website.
Last updated: Wednesday July 7, 2010 3:43PM
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