Round 14 Preview – NPL NSW Men’s
Get the heater sorted as we take you through what will be a massive round of 14 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s fixtures that is sure to shake the hotly contested competition table.
It’s been an intriguing 2022 #NPLNSW Men’s season thus far and it looks like it will only get better with more twists and turns with some exciting battles set to take shape across Sydney this weekend.
Manly United FC v Sutherland Sharks FC
7:00pm, Friday 3rd June, Cromer Park
Manly United convincing victory over APIA Leichhardt last week will be the perfect platform for the Northern Beaches outfit heading into another home clash.
Riding high on the support of the home crowd at their upgraded Cromer Park field, Manly have been in a strong run of form recently and will be the favourites heading into their match up with Sutherland.
Sutherland have struggled this season with 10 losses and just three wins so far with new coaches Luis Contigiani and Steve Gordon still trying to bring out the best in the Sharks’ squad.
Thomas Fay and Jimmy Oates featured in the Round 13 NPL NSW Team of the Week after strong showings over the weekend and will be ones to watch on Friday.
The last matchup between the two saw Sutherland secure a 2-0 victory – will they be able to do it again?
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC v Sydney United 58 FC
7:00pm, Friday 3rd June, Popondetta Park
Mt Druitt Town Rangers will host Sydney United 58 in what’s set to be a cold Friday night clash between the two Western Sydney teams.
United 58 have had a glimpse of good form in recent weeks and will be hoping to continue to build on that as they fight for finals in a tightly-contested race.
Mt Druitt Town still sit with only one win this season and will be desperate to somewhat recover and lift themselves off the bottom of the table.
United 58’s Jordan Roberts represented his side in the Team of the Week for Round 13 alongside ‘keeper Danijel Nizic, and Jack Stewart featured in the team for Mt Druitt Town.
The Round 3 match between these two teams saw a 2-2 draw but will someone be able to break the deadlock this time around?
Northbridge Bulls FC v Sydney Olympic FC
3:00pm, Saturday 4th June, Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney Olympic will make the trip out to Edensor Park for a Saturday afternoon clash with the Northbridge Bulls.
Olympic, who have moved up to third position on the league ladder with equal points with Sydney FC, have upped the ante with their Premiership push and are real contenders for the title.
Plenty is on the line for the Belmore boys as they match up against the young Northbridge side that has featured a number of A-League faces in recent weeks.
Lachlan Rose has been dangerous for the Bulls in the past few games and was featured in the Round 13 Team of the Week after his team’s defeat of Wollongong at the weekend.
Roy O’Donovan featured for Olympic in their defeat of rivals Rockdale Ilinden and will be looking to use his experience to knock home some more goals on Saturday.
The last time these two met, Olympic managed a 2-0 victory – will they be able to do it again and earn some crucial points?
APIA Leichhardt FC v Rockdale Ilinden FC
5:30pm, Saturday 4th June, Lambert Park
Both coming off Round 13 losses, this is set to be a big match as these sides fight to keep their Premiership hopes alive in this week’s ‘Match of the Round’.
Sitting within four points of the top spot, every point matters for these two sides and they’re sure to bring their best to this clash.
Within three consecutive losses since taking the top spot from Sydney FC, Rockdale need to get back in form if they want to secure a spot in the finals and a win over APIA would give them a confidence boost to do so.
APIA’s 4-1 loss to Manly United last week wasn’t in keeping with the performances they have put on so far this season and they will be hungry to prove their talent.
The expected return of veteran ‘keeper Ivan Necevski should give the hosts some stability against the experience of Rockdale.
Rockdale came away with a 2-1 victory in Round 3. Will they be able to do it again or will the home advantage help the Inner West side to victory?
Marconi Stallions FC v Blacktown City FC
7:00pm, Saturday 4th June, Marconi Stadium
At the top of the table, Marconi Stallions will be firing on all cylinders when they host Blacktown City at ‘The Palace’ on Saturday night.
With a strong undefeated run in the league, the 5-3 defeat of a dangerous Sydney FC side saw the Stallions secure the top spot but it will be a tough battle as they try to retain it against Blacktown, who sit just two points behind them.
Domenic Costanzo and Roberto Speranza represented Marconi in the Team of the Week, while Brandon Vella was also very impressive for the Stallions as they adjusted to being down two central defenders.
Mitch Mallia was the lone representative of Blacktown City, but their experience and talent across the park gives them plenty to test Marconi with.
Will Marconi be able to hold on to the top spot or will Blacktown City serve them an upset at home?
Sydney FC v Wollongong Wolves FC
4:30pm, Sunday 5th June, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
Sydney FC will be looking to stay near the top of the NPL NSW Men’s ladder with a win over Wollongong Wolves on Sunday evening at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre.
The young sky blues have been nothing short of impressive all season under the guidance of Jim Van Weeren and despite coming off a 5-3 loss to Marconi, are sure to be all class in this clash.
Aidan Segecic scored a brace last week and represented Sydney FC in the Team of the Week and will be one to watch this week, but in a team of young talent they’re all players to watch.
Wollongong sit 11 points behind first place on the league ladder and will need to kick into gear if they want to play finals football in 2022.
The Wolves put up a good fight against Northbridge last week and Sydney United 58 the week before, but will need to be more clinical if they want to get points from Sydney FC.
It was a 2-2 draw the last time these two teams met. Will someone be able to secure a win this time or will it be points shared again?
