Round 7 Preview – NPL NSW Men’s

The long weekend is almost here and with it comes a long weekend of football – a real treat for football fans.

With big clashes over four days there’s plenty of action to keep you entertained.

Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC v Northbridge Bulls FC

8:00pm, Friday 15th April, Popondetta Park

The bottom of the table clash starts off the weekend at Popondetta Park as Mt Druitt Town Rangers host Northbridge Bulls.

With 17 goals between the two teams so far this season and 33 goals against them, there is expected to be plenty of goals in the clash as both sides fight to hit their form.

Mt Druitt had their clash with Marconi washed out in Round 6, meaning they have had a long break to rest up and prepare and will be hungry for their first win of the season.

With a strong line up and proven ability to score goals, Mt Druitt will need to sure up their defence in order to get a win over the dynamic young-guns at Northbridge.

Northbridge have managed one win this season against heavyweights Sydney United 58 and will be hoping for more of that magic in their match up against the Rangers.

While it may be the two teams at the bottom of the ladder, this match will surely be exciting as both sides fight with all they’ve got to make their mark on the league.

APIA Leichhardt FC v Sutherland Sharks FC

5:30pm, Saturday 16th April, Lambert Park

The impressive APIA Leichhardt fell at the hands of Sydney FC last week in a 4-3 loss and will be looking to bounce back against Sutherland Sharks at home on Saturday,

Sitting at second on the ladder, Leichhardt has had an impressive season so far with four wins and two losses and will be hoping to continue their strong form as they wait for Sydney FC to slip so they can climb into the top spot.

With a strong line up blended with talented young prospects and experienced stalwarts, the APIA squad has plenty of potential.

The Sharks have struggled to find their form this season and, after showing glimpses of promise, will be hoping to gain some consistency moving forward.

With a star-studded line up, Sutherland certainly have the talent to be able to put up a good fight against APIA at home and this Saturday night clash is the perfect chance for them to do so.

Coming off a loss against Sydney Olympic, they will be fired up and ready to take on a dangerous APIA Leichhardt side in what’s set to be a stellar match.

Marconi Stallions FC v Manly United FC

7:00pm, Saturday 16th April, Marconi Stadium

After a week off, Marconi will be eager to get back on the pitch and ready to host Manly United at ‘The Palace’ on Saturday night.

With Thomas James easing his way back into more gametime post injury, Marconi will be looking to him and Charles Lokolingoy to light up their attacking line, with the support of their ever-consistent captain Marko Jesic.

In ninth position on the ladder, Marconi have struggled to find consistency after a win in Round 1, and will have a short turn around from their mid-week match against Blacktown City will make it hard for the Stallions to back-up for Saturday, however the momentum from game time could give them an advantage on the weekend.

Manly United are sitting in fourth position with three wins so far this season from their six games played.

Their win over Wollongong for the first time since 2016 will give them confidence as they make the trek out west.

Jimmy Oates and Thomas Fay will be ones to watch for Manly after strong performances in Round 6.

With both teams possessing plenty of talent on the park, it will be a big match as Marconi fight for their first win at home.

Blacktown City FC v Sydney FC

3:00pm, Sunday 17th April, Blacktown City Sports Centre

Blacktown City will play host to league leaders Sydney FC on Sunday afternoon in a huge clash.

A strong Blacktown City side will back up after a mid-week match to Marconi to take on the impressive young Sky Blues as they look to cause a major upset and climb up the ladder.

With a convincing win over Northbridge in Round 6, Blacktown will be fired up as they look to get back on track for their Premiership ambitions, however they will have to get through the league leaders.

Captain Matt Lewis made a Team of the Week appearance for the Western Sydney outfit after converting two penalties and will be one to keep an eye on in the clash as he looks to drive his team to victory.

Sydney FC have been the surprise sensations of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition this year, heading into Round 7 without a single defeat.

The youngsters have scored a huge 16 goals so far this season, the most of any team, but have let in 12 – double the amount that Blacktown have conceded.

They will need to concentrate on their defensive efforts to keep a clinical Blacktown City at bay, but certainly have the capability to do so.

Nathan Grimaldi and Oscar Priestman were standouts for the sky blues in their Round 6 victory and will be amongst the wealth of young talent the side will lean on in the clash.

Rockdale Ilinden FC v Wollongong Wolves FC

4:00pm, Sunday 17th April, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

Coming off the back of a big win over Sydney United 58, Rockdale will be ready to rumble against Wollongong on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts will be coming into the match with plenty of confidence and leaning on Alec Urosevski and Alex Masciovecchio, who were strong in their Round 6 win, along with the experience and consistency of Mitchell Stamatellis at the back.

As Steve Zoric is finally seeing his plan come to fruition, now is the perfect time for Ilinden to make a big impact in the league.

Wollongong, coming off two losses, will be eager to bounce back and climb up from their tenth position on the ladder.

Luke Wilkshire’s men have only one win this season with six goals and will need to fire on the attacking front if they want to get past the strong defensive line of Rockdale.

Will Wollongong get their second win of the season or will Rockdale make it two in a row?

Sydney United 58 FC v Sydney Olympic FC

3:00pm, Monday 18th April, Sydney United Sports Centre

Sydney Olympic will make the trip to Sydney United Sports Centre on Easter Monday to take on United 58 in a clash that could make a big impact on the league ladder.

Both sitting on 10 points, the clash will see two strong teams match up in a big battle.

With the best defence in the league, having let in only three goals, keeping United 58’s attacking line at bay will be a key focus for Olympic.

Nick Sorras was instrumental in their victory over the Sharks in Round 6 and will be looking to stay in form this weekend.

Roy O’Donovan will be looking to add to his goal tally after two goals last round and will be ready to face up against a physical United 58 back line.

Coming off a loss to Rockdale, United 58 will need to beat Olympic if they have any hope of finding some consistency after an inconsistent few performances.

Coach Joe Haywood will be absent attending to his family in the U.K. so assistant coaches Nick Stavroulakis and Jason Trifiro will both get their opportunity in hopefully achieving a positive result.

A recall to the starting line-up for Patrick Antelmi could be on the cards while the club is hopeful Yianni Fragogiannis returns from injury to spearhead the defensive line alongside skipper Adrian Vlastelica once more.

If the hosts can draw from their wins this season they will put up a good fight against Olympic as they both look to break ahead in the league.