Round 23 Preview – NPL Men’s NSW
The action in the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition is back to boiling point with so much on the line ahead of round 23.
SD Raiders FC v Blacktown City
5pm, Saturday 11 July – Ernie Smith Reserve
The action kicks off on Saturday evening at Ernie Smith Reserve as the SD Raiders take on Blacktown City.
The Raiders sit in 11th place on the ladder and right now are in a comfortable position. They have only managed two victories in their last five outings and the faint hopes of finals football are slipping away.
A lot of football over the month may be catching up to them and despite Goran Ljuboja’s attempts to rotate his squad, it has not been an easy period. A loss here would see City creep closer to the Raiders and potentially drag them into the relegation scrap.
Blacktown may not have won last weekend but they managed to keep a clean sheet against the Waratah Cup Champions, their first in over a month and only fourth of the season. Mark Crittenden managed to strengthen the squad late in the window and has given his side some much needed depth.
A win here could be massive in their fight for survival and it would be a difficult task on a grass pitch, if the weather holds.
Manly United v Sutherland Sharks
5pm, Saturday 11 July – Cromer Park
Sutherland Sharks travel to the northern beaches on Saturday evening where they will face Manly United at Cromer Park.
Undefeated in their last four clashes, Vladimir Knezevic’s team come into this clash full of confidence and with nothing to lose.
They have not lost at home since mid-May and Cromer Park is becoming a fortress, but will it be strong enough to keep out the Sharks?
Only one loss since round 15 and David Perkovic’s team have catapulted themselves into finals football. They are one of the form teams of the competition and have their sights set on capturing that Australian Championship position.
Sydney Olympic v Wollongong Wolves
5pm, Saturday 11 July – Belmore Sports Ground
At Belmore Sports Ground on Saturday night, Sydney Olympic take on the Wollongong Wolves at 5pm.
Olympic will throw everything at survival and with the squad substantially stronger post the mid-season transfer window, they know that points are imperative in this clash against the south coast side.
Round 16 was the last time Olympic kept a clean sheet and the bombastic signing of Filip Kurto should help with that issue.
It has now been six games since the Wolves last tasted victory. From being a Premiership contender, they are now outside the top six and sliding further away from finals football.
They fail to win at Belmore, finals football could just end up being a dream for the Wolves.
NWS Spirit FC v St George FC
5:30pm, Saturday 11 July – Christie Park
NWS Spirit host St George FC on Saturday evening at Christie Park.
Spirit have been struggling with depth in the front third for the majority of the season but now look considerably stronger, the likes of Shoki Yoshida, Callum Kealy, Kosta Petratos and Noah Peacock all capable of finding the back of the net and most importantly for Serge Malfara, all are available.
They still have hopes of squeezing into a finals spot but they must win here to keep that dream alive.
Also strengthened, also looking stronger but still unable to pick up three points. The longer St George continues this form, the further survival will be for them, in particular after dropping into the play-off spot.
Christie Park is a difficult venue to play at, in particular with the forecast not looking to good either for Saturday night.
APIA Leichhardt v Sydney FC
5:30pm, Saturday 11 July – Leichhardt Oval
APIA Leichhardt will host Sydney FC on Saturday night at Leichhardt Oval.
Back at Leichhardt Oval for the first time since the Australian Championships, APIA will look to get back to winning ways coinciding with their return.
Consecutive losses in the league, plus a Waratah Cup final defeat and Franco Parisi’s team is in some uncharacteristic poor form. A team generally high in confidence will be keen to turn this around and continue their battle for the Premiership.
After five games without a defeat, Sydney finally suffered defeat against UNSW FC in a game they battled well in and perhaps could have got more out of.
Sitting in sixth spot at the moment, they are just inside finals football and will be keen to secure that place moving into the final third of the season.
St George City FA v UNSW FC
7:15pm, Saturday 11 July – Penshurst Park
The last match of Saturday night football takes us to Penshurst Park as St George FA host UNSW FC.
St George have struggled to hold onto a lead this season on various occasions. After their see-saw fixture last week down the south coast, having lead 2-0, they then needed a late goal to secure a point.
A win here pushes them ahead of UNSW on the table and also takes them further away from the relegation zone.
Similarly for UNSW, a win here could be massive in their hopes of securing their safety in the top flight.
After four straight losses, UNSW finally secured a win against Sydney FC, albeit the hard way, made to work for the three points. That win should give them confidence to be able to get it done at a tough venue.
Sydney United 58 v Rockdale Ilinden
2:30pm, Sunday 12 July – Sydney United Sports Centre
It’s derby day at Sydney united Sports Centre as Sydney United 58 take on Rockdale Ilinden on Sunday at 2:30pm.
The Waratah Cup Champions return home to their adoring crowd and they will look to celebrate another victory in front of them.
United were held last week against Blacktown City and if they drop points again, that could be the end of their Premiership hopes.
Ilinden’s inconsistencies continue, after an incredible performance against APIA Leichhardt two weeks ago, they weren’t able to back it up Sunday against NWS Spirit, having to settle for a draw.
James Temelkovski and Dead Pelekanos are fantastic additions to the side with the striker already getting himself involved last weekend.
Marconi Stallions v Western Sydney Wanderers
3pm, Sunday 12 July – Marconi Stadium
The final game of the round takes us to Marconi Stadium as the Marconi Stallions host the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Top of the table and extending their lead over their closest rivals after the weekend games, Marconi are edging closer to the Premiership.
They showed last week they can get the job done without star players like Marko Jesic and Anton Mlinaric, testament to what Peter Tsekenis has built. They added James Bayliss and had Teng Kuol return to the squad to add much needed depth to their side.
The Wanderers picked up a massive three points last week and threw themselves back into finals contention with that win.
It doesn’t get much tougher than a trip to the Palace against one of the best teams in the league. Awan Lual has been fantastic for the Wanderers and it will be an intriguing clash between him and the robust Stallions central defenders.
– By Nikola Pozder
