Round 17 Preview – NPL Men’s NSW

There are massive games all across the National Premier Leagues Men’s NSW competition in round 17, from derbies to finals and relegation battle classics.

Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers 

7:30pm, Friday 29 May – Rockdale Ilinden Sports Centre

The action kicks off on Friday night with none other than a Sydney Derby at Ilinden Sports Centre as Sydney FC host the WSW.

Both teams have had above average starts to the season, flirting with the Top 6 and finals football.

The Wanderers put five passed Rockdale at this same venue last weekend and would like to repeat the same against their rivals.

Sydney come into this one well rested after having the week off last round, their last Sydney derby performance will still burn and they will be keen to set the record straight.

UNSW FC v Wollongong Wolves

3pm, Saturday 30 May – The Village Green

UNSW FC are back home again on Saturday afternoon, this time welcoming the Wollongong Wolves to The Village Green.

Staying safe from relegation was the target, now, UNSW FC finds themselves just outside finals football position. That is in no doubt down to their incredible home performances, making The Village Green an unbreakable fortress,

Their opponents continue to go about their business the way they have all season, quietly recording results and climbing the ladder, trying to drag back the leading trio and put themselves into the Premiership race.

Points are imperative for both teams, UNSW to more or less secure safety and start focusing on finals, the Wolves to try and sneak into the Premiership conversation.

Manly United v Blacktown City

5pm, Saturday 30 May – Cromer Park

Cromer Park will be the venue for a proper relegation six-pointer on Saturday evening as Manly United host Blacktown City.

Vladimir Knezevic’s side have probably lacked a little luck so far this season but were rewarded with a late winner last week which secured the points away to St George City. Cromer Park needs to be a place that opposition teams don’t like to visit and they will need to do that to stay safe.

Blacktown come in under a bit of pressure after last week’s defeat and without a doubt, Mark Crittenden would be expecting nothing less than a rection from his side. A wounded Blacktown could be very dangerous.

Sydney Olympic v SD Raiders FC

5pm, Saturday 30 May – Belmore Sports Ground

Sydney Olympic finally return home after a month away from Belmore Sports Ground, the SD Raiders coming to town.

Olympic gave themselves a proper chance of survival last weekend, winning away to Blacktown and closing the gap on the teams ahead of them. Another victory here and Olympic’s improbable survival starts to look real.

The SD Raiders at the time of reading this are celebrating their qualification into the Australia Cup Round of 32 and will come into this one with confidence. They know victory puts them well away from bottom place and will eliminate that possibility.

NWS Spirit FC v APIA Leichhardt

5:30pm, Sunday 30 May – Christie Park

NWS Spirit FC face off against APIA Leichhardt on Saturday night at Christie Park.

With only one win in their last 5 games, Spirit have dropped outside of the top 6 and finals football. They are still in a good position but it doesn’t get much tougher than expecting to pick up points against APIA.

Franco Parisi’s substitution magic secured them a point last week in the Italian Derby and kept them only two points off first place. They have not gone two games without a win though and will want to snap that run as quickly as possible.

St George FC v St George City

6:30pm, Saturday 30 May – Barton Park

The St George derby takes place on Saturday night as St George FC takes on St George City at Barton Park.

After setting the competition alight in the first six games, St George have now lost 10 straight games and have dropped into a very dangerous position on the ladder, closer to relegation than finals football.

Their neighbours looked to have turned the page and were going in the right direction but instead were brought back down to earth by Manly United. A win here will go a long way in their battle for survival and getting away from the relegation zone.

Marconi Stallions v Rockdale Ilinden

7pm, Saturday 30 May – Marconi Stadium

A blockbuster beckons at Marconi Stadium on the final game on Saturday night as the Marconi Stallions welcome Rockdale Ilinden to Bossley Park.

Marconi dropped points for the first time in five games in the derby against APIA but have been in fabulous form. They have scored 35 goals this season already and have not lost at home all season.

Their form against their rival has also been excellent, and everyone remembers the dominance in recent years.

Paul Dee’s team will need to respond this week after last weekend’s embarrassing 5-0 defeat at home to the WSW. They have the quality in both the playing and coaching staff to turn it around and what better way than against the league leaders.

This game gives Rockdale the opportunity  to turn the tale of tape and make a statement.

Sydney United 58 v Sutherland Sharks

2:30pm, Sunday 31 May – Sydney United Sports Centre

All eyes will be on Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday afternoon as Sydney United host the Sutherland Sharks in the only game of the day.

United dropped points last week at a tough Village Green, taking them to three losses for the season and now being outright second.

It’ll be tougher for them also without their supremo Miro Vlastelica in the dugout who saw red last weekend late on.

A fine goal by Richard Shoueki gave David Perkovic’s side a massive victory and an incredibly important three points.

So many times the Sharks have been expected to march on, you feel this is a moment they must take and can’t afford to let slip.

– By Nikola Pozder