Round 10 Preview – NPL NSW Men’s
Round 10 in the National Premier Leagues NSW season has arrived and pressure is starting to mount on all sides battling to lock down a spot in the top five.
Sydney Olympic go into this round on top of the table for the first time this season and they will need to continue their winning ways with APIA Leichhardt Tigers determined to overtake them and reclaim first position.
Blacktown City are back to their winning ways after a three week slump. This week they are at home against cellar dwellers Sydney FC with a win vital if they are to keep up with Olympic and APIA.
Manly United have slowly been rediscovering the form which helped them take out last year’s grand final and they will need to put that on display when they host Sydney United 58.
Round ten will feature four games on Saturday night before two big matches on Sunday to close out another big weekend of action.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 7pm Saturday at Bonnyrigg Sports Club
A battle against competition front runners APIA Leichhardt Tigers will be a sure test for a resurgent Bonnyrigg White Eagles.
Despite a loss last week to Hakoah Sydney City East, Bonnyrigg has show solid improvement in recent weeks including a win against fierce rivals Sydney United 58.
Club captain Ray Miller has been one of the reasons for Bonnyrigg’s improvement with the classy midfielder in fine form.
Against APIA, Miller will need to continue that run of form with his ability to create for strikers Aaron Peterson and Dean Bereveskos key to breaking down a solid Tigers defence.
APIA will be driven to bounce back after last week’s shock loss to Sydney United 58 which allowed Sydney Olympic lead frog them into top spot.
After his incredible A-League grand final return with the Newcastle Jets, Ivan Necevski resumes his spot between the sticks for APIA which is a major boost for their defence.
Billy McColl’s APIA team go into the match as clear favourites but with the support of their home crowd and a new found confidence could be enough to inspire Bonnyrigg to a memorable upset.
Manly United FC v Sydney United 58 FC, 7pm Saturday at Cromer Park
Reigning National Premier Leagues NSW Champions Manly United are finding form and will be out to continue their climb up the ladder with a win against Sydney United 58 on Saturday.
Manly are back at home for only the fourth time this season so far and will be using their passionate support to boost them to victory.
After losing three matches to start the season, Manly have gone undefeated over their past six games.
Last week they were forced to settle for a draw against Wollongong Wolves but the signs are still positive for Paul Dee’s side.
Defender Keiran Paull was a star performer for Manly in the previous round with his dangerous crosses into the box helping to create chance after chance.
United 58 last week proved they are fighting on despite recent off field instability which included the resignation of former coach Jason Culina.
Patrick Antelmi delivered on his great promise up front to score the winner against APIA. United 58 also proved they can find a way to win without Panny Nikas who has carried the team this season with his impressive performances in midfield.
A win could see Manly leapfrog United 58 into fourth position on the table.
With the likes of Chris Payne, Yianni Fragogiannis, Tom Manos, Petar Markovic as well as the return of skipper Nick Stavroulakis, the club will look towards getting another vital three points on the road.
There is plenty on the line for both teams and it is sure to be a thrilling match up
Blacktown City FC v Sydney FC, 7pm Saturday at Lilly Homes Stadium
Blacktown City is back in the winners circle and they will be out to make a statement when they host bottom side Sydney FC on Saturday.
City took home all three points in an eight goal thriller against Rockdale in Round 9 with Mitch Mallia scoring a hat trick.
Despite the win, coach Mark Crittenden will be conceded with his side’s defence which has conceded seven goals in four weeks after starting the campaign with four straight clean sheets.
In attack Blacktown have little to worry about with Mallia, Joey Gibbs and Devante Clut all a threat going forward.
Sydney FC’s young defence will surely have their work cut out if they are to spring an upset.
Strikers Jeremy Cox and Hassan Jalloh have been great for the Young Sky Blues this season but they will need to find the back of the net this week if Sydney FC are to stand a chance.
Duro Dragacevic in the Sydney goal is also set for one of his biggest tests yet. Sydney FC will also be without Jerry Skotadis who is suspended.
Blacktown will be clear cut favourites at home and it will be a major challenge for Sydney FC but stranger things have happened in football so an upset shouldn’t be written off.
Marconi Stallions v Sutherland Sharks, 7pm Saturday at Marconi Stadium
Marconi Stallions host Sutherland Sharks in a mid table battle with both sides desperate to break into the top five.
Marconi have been solid if not inconsistent this season, while it has been similar story for Sutherland this campaign.
The Stallions snatched a 2-2 draw last round against bottom side Sydney FC after Sean Rooney’s curling free kick ensured they didn’t suffer a shock defeat.
Injury has plagued Marconi so far but they have relied on the experience and talent of veterans such as Sean Rooney and Marko Jesic.
The pair have been leading lights in attack and will be challenged against a competitive Sutherland defence.
A 3-0 defeat to Sydney Olympic last round was a harsh reality check for Grant Lee’s Sharks team and they will be working hard to bounce back with a win.
Central defenders Jacob Tratt and Hayden Morton will need to solidify the defensive line if they are to stand a chance.
Only one point apart on the NPL NSW ladder, this match will be a must win for both teams if they are to maintain their finals aspirations.
Sydney Olympic FC v Wollongong Wolves, 3pm Sunday at Belmore Sports Ground
League leaders Sydney Olympic have a chance to stretch their advantage at the top when they take on Wollongong Wolves on Sunday.
Olympic’s impressive performances this season have helped them to rise to the top of the pile, which has been made more impressive when considering they lost their coach on the cusp of the season.
New boss Abbas Saad has Olympic playing an exciting brand of football lead by captain and midfield dynamo Max Burgess.
A 3-0 win against Sutherland last round was another huge victory for Olympic and they appear to be going from strength to strength.
Their opponents this week are a Wollongong Wolves side who are desperate to provide a better return on investment for their star studded lineup.
Wollongong has hit a mid season slump with their early season winning form seemingly long gone.
Yuzo Tashiro rescued a 1-1 draw last round against Manly but they will need a much better showing if they are going to get the win this week.
Rockdale City Suns v Hakoah Sydney City East, 5pm Sunday at Ilinden Sports Centre.
Rockdale City Suns are desperate to end their struggles and a win against Hakoah Sydney East on Sunday will be the first step for Paul Reids team.
Ill-discipline and defensive lapses have stung Rockdale this campaign with the Suns failing live up to their preseason expectations.
Moments of brilliance have been matched with equally frustrating play with last week’s 5-3 defeat at the hands of Blacktown City a perfect example of the season so far for Rockdale.
One upside is Rockdale has rarely struggled to find the back of the net this campaign with Alec Urosevski, Bai Antoniou, Jordan Figon and Toufic Alameddine all impressing despite Rockdale’s inconsistent form.
Up against Hakoah they will take on a team which has developed a reputation as a team stronger than the sum of its parts.
The Hensley Athletic Field based side are tough competitors who have a knack for stretching their opposition.
Kiwi international Andre De Jong remains Hakoah’s primary threat in attack but a breakout season from Micheal Kouta has provided them with another quality outlet in the wide areas.
At home Rockdale will have the advantage coming into the match but Hakoah should never be underrated and will be a good shout to pull off an upset against the unpredictable Suns.
