Cross-town rivals Manitoba and Winnipeg will face off this week in a critical home-and-home series with plenty on the line. The Bisons come into this weekend six points up on the Wesmen for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Canada West prairie division, and are two points up on Regina. With this in mind, there's plenty at stake for two teams looking to extend their seasons into the playoffs. 

The first of the two games will be played on Thursday at 6 pm at Manitoba's west turf field, and will also be seniors night (claim your tickets here). The team will honour graduating players Mackie Burdeny, Britney Blunderfield, Katelyn Isfeld, Rebecca Waterman, Dalima Chhibber and Nicole Davis pre-game for their contributions to the program. Two days later, the two sides will head across the city for the rematch hosted by the U of W. That game will also serve as the first leg of the Duckworth Challenge. 

The cross-town classic, which also includes volleyball and basketball, originated in 1991-92. Soccer was added in 2013, and Manitoba has never lost, with a total record of 7-0-3 in the sport. Overall, the Bisons hold an all-time lead in the classic of 15-8-7 (17 titles counting tie-breakers) in the contest's 30-year history, and are the reigning champs from 2021-22. 

In terms of storylines between the two sides, it'll be a chess match, as Manitoba (3-6-1) looks to use their speed, aggressiveness and soccer IQ to get through a Winnipeg (1-8-1) formation that tends to be defensive-minded. The Bisons have lost five of their last six games, however four of those have been one-goal differences, including contests against the top-ranked team in the nation in UBC, as well as the top team in the prairie division and defending national champion MacEwan. In both games, their opposition was forced to adjust to the way Manitoba was playing, forcing them to stay on their toes. 

Both Winnipeg and Manitoba also have a leg up on Regina (1-5-5), having tied and beaten their prairie rival that's vying for the final playoff spot. Manitoba has a one-goal advantage however, and would win the tie-break if needed. 

Players to keep an eye out for with the Wesmen include defender Drew Kennedy -- a former Bison who's started every game this year for Winnipeg -- as well as Jazmyn Castro and Emma Friesen, who've combined for five of Winnipeg's nine goals, as well as 23 shots total. The matchup in net will also see two goalies who are tied for fourth in the conference in saves, in Manitoba's Karina Bagi and Winnipeg's Madison Priebe. 

For the Bisons, look for set pieces to play a key role. Team leader Dalima Chhibber, who played in 16 games for India's national team in 2021, is well known for her accuracy and power on free kicks and has nearly scored on multiple chances this year, including a shot against Regina that hit the cross-bar. She's played every minute this year and has seven shots on goal as part of a talented Bisons back line.

Look for captain Jessica Tsai, who's also played every minute and has three points, to play a huge role in this regard as well. She's already scored on a free kick this season, and frequently uses her height to her advantage on headers into the box, as well as on fifty-fifty balls in the midfield.