This could be the most competitive weekend yet. Take a look at the standings and then take a look at the fixtures: #1 will host #2, #3 will host #4 and #6 will host #7. Incredible! Well done, WPS schedulers.

5.) Will Philadelphia Recover From Last Week’s Loss?

The upstart Independence suffered just their second loss of the season last week to a more robust Washington Freedom side. On Sunday they’ll be back home ready to redeem themselves against a Sky Blue FC side that have improved as of late. Both teams are tied on 11 points in the table. The winner of the match could conceivably make a case to be included in the upper echelon of WPS. Philadelphia’s anemic performance stemmed from Washington’s success in tying up Lori Lindsey. Yael Averbuch will need to be tasked with the mission if Sky Blue want to continue their ascent up the table.

4.) Will We Have A Patrizio Panico Sighting?

The 35 year-old striker is arriving to the Dirty New Jersey with a C.V. befitting of any world class striker. The Italian National Team Captain has scored at least once every other game for Italy and has racked up over 400 goals domestically. Don’t be fooled by her age either. She’s Italian after all, and Italian footballers are known to last forever. (Giuseppe Meazza will probably suit up for Italy again next week). It will be fascinating to see what Panico adds to Sky Blue’s attack. It has struggled to find a replacement for the injury-prone Kai. Maybe all it takes is a Roman. SPQR!

3.) How Many Hockey Fans Live in Chicago?

A lot apparently. And perhaps the first game of the Stanley Cup Finals played down the road at the United Center was the culprit for the Red Stars’ low attendance last weekend. If the Chicago Blackhawks win tonight in Philadelphia, they could conceivably win the Stanley Cup on home ice on Sunday. And it would be the first time they won it in forty years. Which might not bode well for the occupancy of Toyota Park on Sunday night.

2.) Can Washington Usurp First Place From FC Gold Pride?

Tomorrow’s match between first place FC Gold Pride and the second place Washington Freedom is intriguing for many reasons. First, these are two of the most balanced sides in WPS. FCGP’s defense has remained fairly impregnable all season long and its attack is not too shabby either. Ditto the Washington Freedom who’ve got their own impregnable back four, two fabulous holding midfielders and that American striker I keep hearing good things about. Secondly, Washington have been in fine form as of late taking 11 points from a possible 15. And FCGP? Suffered just their second loss of the season to the lowly Chicago Red Stars last weekend. And with a slender two point lead over Washington, FC Gold Pride might be playing this one on the back-foot.

Also, watch to see how the addition of The Best Female American Midfielder will affect FC Gold Pride’s fluid midfield.

1.) Who Will Win: Chicago or Atlanta?

More on this in a bit, but this could be the most fascinating match-up of the WPS season so far. Both teams have started slow and have mucked around at the bottom of the table. Both teams have undergone major changes this past week. Chicago have a new coach and Atlanta has a new team. (Nearly). Expect two entirely new outfits to take to the field this weekend. Thank goodness it will be on FSC. Sunday will be the first day of the rest of the 2010 season, you two.

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