Round 19 Preview – NPL NSW Men’s
With some cracking encounters set to be unleashed, Round 19 of the National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition will certainly bring more drama and excitement to what already has been one of the tightest season’s yet.
Let’s get to this week’s preview.
Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC v Wollongong Wolves FC
7:00pm, Friday 8th July, Popondetta Park
Mt Druitt will host the Wollongong Wolves to open the Round 19 action at Popondetta Park on Friday night.
While Mt Druitt’s Round 18 clash was washed out, Wollongong managed to get on the pitch but suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Rockdale.
Lachlan Scott was a standout for the Wolves in the clash and will be one to watch when they face the Rangers.
Mt Druitt have their own standout in Jack Stewart who will likely be key to the Rangers if they want to cause a headache for Wollongong.
With finals out of the picture for both teams there is still plenty of pride on the line.
Manly United FC v Blacktown City FC
3:00pm, Saturday 9th July, Cromer Park
In what is set to be a fiery clash, Blacktown City will travel to the Northern Beaches to take on Manly United on Saturday afternoon.
It’s a high-stakes encounter for both sides with finals football on the line with just four games to go in the season.
Manly sit in second place after their narrow loss to Marconi on the weekend, while Blacktown have remained in fifth position after getting a point from their battle with the young sky blues.
With the addition of Travis Major, Blacktown have displayed some fine form and with the impending return of Danny Choi they will surely be a force to be reckoned with.
With the potential to take out the Premiership both teams need to get maximum points from this battle.
Sydney Olympic FC v Sydney FC
4:00pm, Saturday 9th July, Belmore Sportsground
Third placed Sydney Olympic will take on Sydney FC at Belmore Sportsground on Saturday afternoon.
Olympic had a week off due to a washout while Sydney FC managed a point from Blacktown with Aaron Gurd and Jaiden Kucharski netting goals for the young sky blues.
As Sydney FC look to fight their way back into the top five, Olympic will be hoping to get maximum points to keep them in the Premiership race.
In what is set to be a top-tier display of technical ability, the solid Olympic defence will have to hold out the young and dynamic sky blue attackers, while the young Sydney FC defenders will have to hold out the experience of Roy O’Donovan.
Sydney FC managed a 3-1 victory the last time they met – will they be able to recreate success?
APIA Leichhardt FC v Northbridge Bulls FC
5:30pm, Saturday 9th July, Lambert Park
Fourth placed APIA Leichhardt will host the 12th placed Northbridge Bulls in their Round 19 match up.
Both teams will be coming off a week of rest which could fall to their favour as a rest after 18 games played this season, or to their detriment if they struggle to get back the momentum of the season so far.
As one of three teams on 31 points heading into this week, APIA Leichhardt will be hunting for maximum points and be hoping they can add even more with their make-up match.
As the hosts will draw on the experience of their side and coach Danial Cummins, Northbridge will be hoping their youth and talent is enough to cause an upset.
The Bulls held APIA Leichhardt to a 3-3 draw in their Round 8 encounter, will they be able to do it again?
Sydney United 58 FC v Marconi Stallions FC
3:00pm, Sunday 10th July, Sydney United Sports Centre
Sydney United 58 will be looking to hold out the league leaders in their local derby on Sunday afternoon.
Marconi will surely be riding high after knocking off Manly United and taking the top spot in their 1-0 victory last weekend thanks to a Nathan Millgate header.
With finals football off the table for the hosts, they will be looking to prove they are still a heavyweight within the competition in this clash and certainly have the team to challenge the Stallions.
With the departure of Charles Lokolingoy, Marconi will lean on the likes of Marko Jesic, Thomas James and Domenic Costanzo to guide their attacking charge.
After a convincing 4-2 victory to Marconi in the Round 8 clash between these two historic teams, who will come out on top this weekend?
Rockdale Ilinden FC v Sutherland Sharks FC
4:00pm, Sunday 10th July, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre
Rockdale are fighting for finals football and will be hungry to get maximum points in their battle with the Sutherland Sharks on Sunday afternoon at Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre.
The ever-impressive Urosevski will be at the heart of Rockdale’s plans to thwart the Sharks, supported by the likes of Jaden Casella and Peter Kekeris in attack.
Keeping themselves well and truly in contention for finals with their 2-1 win over Wollongong, Ilinden will be hoping to build some momentum for the final games of the season.
As Sutherland’s season will end at the conclusion of Rond 22, they have the opportunity to gain some valuable match play as they plan for 2023 and look to finish the season on a high and avoid the wooden spoon.
Rockdale managed a 3-0 victory over Sutherland the last time the two met, will they be able to secure another convincing result this time?
