Round 19 Preview – NPL Men’s NSW

After an exhilarating Round 18, this weekend will feature eight crucial matches in the NPL Men’s NSW competition, highlighted by a clash between APIA Leichhardt and Blacktown City. 

Central Coast Mariners FC vs Manly United FC

6:00pm, Thursday 12 June, Cromer Park

To begin the week’s action, the Central Coast Mariners will take on Manly United in a rescheduled fixture from Round 16.

The Mariners suffered another loss in their last match, going down to Blacktown City by one goal, and still sit bottom of the ladder.

With a victory in this fixture, they could jump, or at least go level with Mt Druitt Town Rangers on points, but they will be tested once more against a motivated Manly United team.

Currently seven points off the top six, a win in this catch-up match would put Manly firmly back in the running for a finals place.

Western Sydney Wanderers FC vs Sydney United 58 FC

3:00pm, Saturday 14 June, Wanderers Football Park

In one of just two Saturday fixtures, the Western Sydney Wanderers will face off against Sydney United 58 at Wanderers Football Park.

The Wanderers suffered a 3-1 loss to Sutherland Sharks in their last match, and will be looking to respond this weekend when taking on United 58, who are currently sixth on the ladder.

United 58 are in stellar form, with four league wins in a row, and are currently five points clear of seventh placed St George FC.

However, a youthful, quality Wanderers side will pose a challenge for United 58, as they aim to make it five victories in succession and retain their comfortable finals place.

St George City FA vs NWS Spirit FC

7:15pm, Saturday 14 June, Penshurst Park

St George City will face off against NWS Spirit FC in the final Saturday match of Round 19.

After a strong run of form, St George are now winless in five games, with their last match being a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Sydney FC.

Eleven points off a finals spot, they need to turn their season around with a win over a quality NWS Spirit side, who are excelling, currently in third position, just five points off top spot.

David Perkovic has worked wonders with Spirit this campaign, and their most recent triumph came with strong back-to-back wins over NPL Men’s NSW powerhouses Blacktown City and APIA Leichhardt.

They will be looking to harness this form heading into Round 18, as they look to continue their stellar 2025 campaign.

St George FC vs Marconi Stallions FC

3:00pm, Sunday 15 June, Barton Park

St George FC host league leaders and reigning Champions Marconi Stalions at Barton Park on Sunday afternoon as they look to rebound from their second defeat of the season.

Marconi still have a two-point lead at the top of the table, but with their lead shortened after two defeats in their last five games, they will need to be at the top of their game this weekend when taking on a strong St George side.

Five points off the top six, St George require a win to prevent Sydney United 58 from sneaking away with the last finals spot, making this a crucial game in the context of their season.

Rockdale Ilinden FC vs Mt Druitt Town Rangers FC

3:00pm, Sunday 15 June, Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

With four league wins on the bounce, Rockdale Ilinden will welcome Mt Druitt Town Rangers to their famous home ground this weekend with the aim of making it five.

Rockdale’s last match was a statement 1-0 win over league leaders Marconi, and with the gap now just two-points, a win in this match could put the reigning Champions back at the summit of the NPL Men’s NSW ladder if St George beat or hold Marconi to a draw.

Having not suffered defeat since Round Eight, Rockdale will be confident taking on a team that had their last win on that very same weekend, but the beauty of football is truly anything can happen.

Sydney Olympic FC vs Sutherland Sharks FC

3:00pm, Sunday 15 June, Belmore Sports Ground

Sydney Olympic will take on Sutherland Sharks at Belmore Sports Ground in another exciting Sunday afternoon fixture.

Olympic are in a decent run of form, unbeaten in three matches with two wins, including a 2-0 victory over Wollongong Wolves thanks to goals from Cyrus Dehmie and Dylan Ruiz-Diaz.

Sutherland Sharks, meanwhile, will come into this match rejuvenated after earning their first win since Round Seven last weekend, as they prevailed 3-1 over the Wanderers with a brace from Yerasimakis Petratos and a goal from Tye McGowan.

Now six points clear of the bottom two, the Sharks are in a better position heading into Round 19, but will be aiming to build on the victory and go on a run of form to confirm their safety earlier in the second half of the season.

Central Coast Mariners FC vs Wollongong Wolves FC

3:00pm, Sunday 15 June, Pluim Park

Fresh off their Thursday night game, the Mariners will host Wollongong Wolves to the Central Coast on Sunday afternoon.

With a winless run of four matches, Wollongong have dropped to 11th on the ladder, nine points off finals.

A win over the Mariners away from home is imperative to sustain their finals charge for 2025, with four teams above them also pushing for the top-six.

APIA Leichhardt FC vs Blacktown City FC

3:00pm, Sunday 15 June, Lambert Park

Looking to rebound from last week’s loss to NWS Spirit, APIA Leichhardt will take on Blacktown City in what promises to be an exhilarating fixture at Lambert Park.

APIA and Blacktown are currently level on points – 33 apiece – and are both looking to push toward the top-two with a victory this weekend.

This match will feature an abundance of quality, particularly in the final third, with the likes of Presley Ortiz, Jordan Segreto, Mitch Mallia and Danny Choi set to light up Lambert Park on Sunday afternoon.

Manly United FC vs Sydney FC

5:00pm, Sunday 15 June, Cromer Park

To conclude Round 19, two finals contenders will go head to head, with Manly United facing off against Sydney FC at Cromer Park.

Manly will be fresh off their Thursday night fixture against the Mariners, while Sydney FC come into this game after a strong 3-1 over St George City, featuring goals from Mathias Macallister and Marin France, as well as an own goal.

The Sky Blues are six points off finals in what has been a strong season so far for the academy side, but will be pushing for a win this weekend to continue to contend for a finals place come the end of the season.