The Review
It was a pretty average week in terms of tips, with only two correct results and nothing going in the way of scorelines, with North Geelong and Hume pulling off the biggest surprises.
Port Melbourne 3 defeated Dandenong Thunder 0 (predicted 1-2)
Pascoe Vale 4 defeated Werribee City 0 (predicted 2-0, result correct)
Avondale 1 defeated by North Geelong 2 (predicted 2-0)
Northcote City 1 drew with Oakleigh Cannons 1 (predicted 2-2, result correct)
Hume City 3 defeated Bentleigh Greens 0 (predicted 1-1)
Melbourne Knights 2 defeated South Melbourne 1 (predicted 1-1)
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Bentleigh Greens SC vs Pascoe Vale SC
The form
It doesn’t help your form when you’re conceding goals like this:
It’s now one point in three games for the Greens, losing to Gully and Hume and drawing with Melbourne Knights. Pascoe Vale, meanwhile, take their winning streak to five with victory over Werribee, consolidating fifth spot on the ladder.
The players to watch
Captain Joseph Youssef continues to bang in goals for fun, and much likes Pascoe Vale’s winning streak, he is on his own goal streak, taking himself to equal second highest NPL scorer with 11. For Bentleigh, Chris Lucas hasn’t been on the scoresheet since Round 18, and will be itching to help his team back on the winner’s list.
The prediction
The reverse fixture saw Bentleigh salvage a late draw, and it may be the same case this time against an in-form Paco. 1-1 draw.
Dandenong Thunder SC vs Avondale FC
The form
Dandenong now sit last on the ladder after a 3-0 defeat against Port Melbourne, playing the Sharks into form whilst taking their losing streak to seven. Avondale haven’t been in hot form either, with their last win coming in Round 17, and their defeat against North Geelong is part of the reason Thunder are on the bottom.
The players to watch
In terms of players that have been at the club long enough and know what it’d take to stave off relegation, the poise of Faisal Sakhizada in defence will be a key for Thunder. Meanwhile, Alex Khrapko can be a threat for Avondale, with the club needing some sort of spark to get back in winning form.
The prediction
A 2-1 win for Dandenong in a desperate performance at home in their attempts to avoid relegation.
North Geelong Warriors FC vs Northcote City FC
The form
Things are suddenly looking up for North Geelong, who got themselves off the foot ladder with a 2-1 win over Avondale, and are just one point off 12th placed Werribee City. But they’ll be up against Northcote City, who have picked up 10 from a possible 12 points recently despite drawing 1-1 last week against Oakleigh Cannons.
The players to watch
Gareth Richards has emerged as one of the club’s keys to survival, with his brace accounting for the first time NGW have scored more than one goal in a game since Round 6! Northcote have had a number of contributors throughout their recent good run, but captain Chris Theodoridis has been the constant presence at the back, marshalling those ahead of him with authority.
The prediction
A revitalised North Geelong – now believing survival via a playoff is a real possibility – to pip a point at home with a 1-1 draw.
Green Gully SC vs Melbourne Knights FC
The form
A purple patch of form was brought to a sharp halt as Green Gully fell to a last minute Milos Lujic winner in their 3-2 defeat to South Melbourne a fortnight ago. They enjoyed a weeks break due to a postponed fixture against Heidelberg United. Their opponents this week – Melbourne Knights – got their own back against South after three consecutive losses to their rivals this season. They did it the hard way however, holding onto a 2-1 lead by the skin of their teeth.
The players to watch
As mentioned, the Knights only just managed to hold onto their one goal lead, and that was courtesy of yet another last gasp penalty save from Chris May, who is in the form of his life at the moment.
Another to look out for is almost new signing Luka Modric, who was presented with his Knights kit this week.
Former South Springvale stopper Rani Dowisha will need to be in good form as he faces a Knights side that’s found their goal scoring form.
The prediction
One of the tougher games to tip this week, but either way, there should be goals in this one. Sitting on the fence with a 2-2 draw, but the Knights have enough about them to edge a win.
Werribee City FC vs Port Melbourne Sharks SC
The form
Port Melbourne broke their seven game winless run with a clinical performance against Dandenong Thunder. Their three goal return was the same amount they’d scored in their previous six matches. They get the chance to keep the scorers busy again as they travel to Galvin Park to take on the out of sorts Werribee City. With coach Nino Ragusa no longer at the helm, they’ve gone on the lose their last two fixtures by four goals. How do they respond to that this week?
The players to watch
While we’re still waiting for the punchline at the end of this set up from the Port Melbourne media team, the importance of defender Shaun Kelly isn’t a joke. Milan Savic will be hoping to stamp his authority on a leaky Bees outfit and help run the ship from the middle of the park.
The prediction
Much like in a real fight, I’m backing the Sharks to get up over the Bees. A second consecutive win for the visitors could give them a tidy little confidence boost heading into the latter stages of the season. 3-0 Port Melbourne.
Heidelberg United FC vs Oakleigh Cannons FC
The form
It was all about the Dockerty Cup in the build up for both clubs. Heidelberg United enjoyed a weekend off, with the torrential rain on Sunday calling a stop to their scheduled game against Green Gully. It didn’t seem to help too much as they fell 2-1 losers to South Melbourne mid-week. Oakleigh enjoyed better success, moving into a Grand Final showdown after a 2-0 win against Hume City yesterday night. Can they grab a league win to consolidate their form?
The players to watch
Nejc Kolman has provided purpose and drive from a deeper midfield role this season and has proven his credentials as a solid player in this competition. Kofi Danning is rumoured to be missing this weekend with a trial on the cards with Newcastle Jets, so expect more attacking brunt to be borne on Lambros Honos.
The prediction
It’ll be tight and one way or another I can see a winner come out of this contest. Heidelberg will be hurting after their cup loss and that pain may spur them on for a victory this weekend. 2-1 to the hosts
South Melbourne FC vs Hume City FC
There’s no game for this until Wed 19 Aug, but enjoy Hume’s banter anyway: