The Western Premier League is heating up and a tantalising race to the finals is in store.

The second half of the regular season begins this weekend and each of the three Dubbo sides in the competition has a huge amount to play for.

Dubbo FC remains locked in a battle for the minor premiership with Waratahs of Orange while Orana Spurs is also in the hunt for a top two finish and the minor premiership.

Cementing a finals place is the main goal for Spurs while Macquarie United is firmly back in the finals race after a disappointing start to the season.

So what's the key to each of the sides achieving their goals this season? We take a look here.

Current position: Second

Run home: Macquarie (H), Parkes (A), Barnstoneworth (A), Lithgow (H), Mudgee Gulgong (A), Spurs (H), bye, Waratahs (A), Panorama (A).

The big question: Can the defence hold firm?

It's likely, really, considering the defence features experienced campaigners James Leonard, Tom McKeon, and Tim McLachlan who know what it takes to get the job done at the pointy end of a season. But it's still going to be hugely important for the Bulls.

The defending premiers have only conceded seven goals this season and no other side in the competition is in single figures. That defence has been vital as the Bulls have scored the least goals of the current top four sides.

The intensity lifts towards the end of the season and there's no doubt Bulls will face more shots in the coming weeks, especially in the final three rounds when they meet Spurs in a derby before travelling to Orange and Bathurst.

Clean sheets or, at the least, minimal goals in those matches could result in the Bulls claiming the minor premiership.

Current position: Third

Run home: Bye, Mudgee Gulgong (A), Panorama (H), Macquarie (A), Waratahs (H), Bulls (A), Lithgow (H), Parkes (A), Barnstoneworth (A).

The big question: Can they find another gear?

The season up to this point has been a huge success for Spurs. Much has already been made of the way the club has turned things around in the WPL after finishing second-from-bottom last year.

But now the side sits in a position where it can be a genuine premiership contender. As much as the club is developing this season it still might be as good a chance as it has to claim a title win. With Jake Grady now back in the fold and key midfielder Duncan Cahill set to move away from Dubbo at season's end, it could be all or nothing.

If they are to cap their rise with title glory they will need to outdo top two Waratahs and Dubbo FC. Those sides are the only two to defeat Spurs this season so it's clear there's still a little work to be done. Spurs meet Macquarie in a derby before taking on the current leaders in successive weeks next month. If they could win two of those three it would be a massive shot of confidence just before finals.

Current position: Fifth

Run home: Bulls (A), Barnstoneworth (H), Mudgee Gulgong (A), Spurs (H), bye, Parkes (H), Panorama (A), Lithgow (A), Waratahs (H).

The big question: Can they put it together before testing final rounds?

Macquarie played some of its best football of the season prior to the long weekend general bye. If they can keep that up in the next few rounds it could secure them finals football.

The next few weeks are set to be decisive as Macquarie faces arguably the most difficult final three rounds of any team in the competition.

Matches against Barnstoneworth, Mudgee Gulgong, Orana Spurs, and Parkes appear winnable but in the final three rounds Macquarie will make testing road trips to Bathurst and Lithgow before a final round meeting with current unbeaten leaders, Waratahs. It would want to be in a strong place before that.

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