Bentleigh Greens (2nd) vs. Northcote City (9th)
The form:
It was 2-0 wins all round last week for Northcote and Bentleigh Greens last week as they grabbed important victories in their respective battles. The hosts are challenging for honours at the top end and have now won four in a row, their last coming with an efficient performance against Avondale FC. Northcote distanced themselves from the bottom few sides, toppling Werribee City at the weekend.
The players to watch:
Bentleigh’s defence has been impeccable over the last four weeks, and centre-half Jack Webster has been at the forefront of it all. Liam McCormick has done all he can off the bench and has been reinstated into a starting XI spot. Aron Handakas grabbed a goal last week and the youngster has put on some good performances this season. Also good to see Wayne Wallace pull up from a nasty suspension, hope he’s not still feeling too sore.
The prediction:
Northcote are sporting a young side this year and as such will show some inconsistency. The sign of a promising side however is how they reacted from their 6-1 loss to Dandenong Thunder two weeks ago, so there shouldn’t be too many concerns for relegation. But Bentleigh will get the points on Friday night, 3-0 at home to take them temporarily to the top of the ladder.
South Melbourne (3rd) vs. Avondale FC (8th)
The form:
A team that’s gone undefeated for so long nearly saw their streak come to the end at the hands of Port Melbourne, but fullback Brad Norton plundered a late goal to save their skin in a 2-2 draw. Yes Iqi, that’s two goals for your side.
A confident Avondale will fancy their chances against South Melbourne, but will need to take the game to them and ensure they aren’t allowed to dictate the tempo of the contest.
The players to watch:
Nikola Roganovic has well and truly secured his position as the number one goalkeeper at the club and has put in a number of strong performances throughout the season to date. It’s been a while but Jake Barker-Daish is finally fit and firing in a South shirt. Jonathan Munoz will hope to control the contest from the centre, and the experience of Jeffrey Fleming may be crucial in such a big clash.
The prediction:
There’s plenty to like about Avondale at the minute. They showed determination to grab a penalty shootout win mid-week against Port Melbourne and they’ll be keen to show more of that against South Melbourne on Friday night. Avondale to pick up a point, 1-1 and make a statement in the process.
Melbourne Knights (4th) vs. Pascoe Vale (7th)
The form:
One win in six now for Melbourne Knights, and a shaky draw against Hume City last weekend to boot. Pascoe Vale have continued their slow climb up the ladder as they triumphed 2-1 against Green Gully, showing plenty of spirit in the process, by hitting back after a late equaliser.
The players to watch:
Mathew Lazarides hit a double in that win against the Cavaliers and he’ll be hoping for more of the same on the weekend. For the Knights, Chris May was once again in the bests after a heroic display of keeping earned his side a point. Milan Batur has been solid in the middle and his partnership in the engine along with Tomi Uskok will form an interesting battle against Ferrante, Nakic et al.
The prediction:
Probably the toughest game to call this weekend, and I can see the game fizzing out into a stalemate. 0-0, but a tight contest, which could fall either way.
Green Gully (11th) vs. Port Melbourne (6th)
The form:
Gully are in free fall at the moment as they notched up their fifth loss in a row against Paco last week. That makes it seven without a win also. The stresses seem to be taking the toll on the players, but they only have to look back to the start of the season to see what they’re capable of. Port Melbourne would be left bitterly disappointed with their week of football. First they coughed up a late equaliser to South, before falling to Avondale FC in the Cup. We didn’t realise fisting was a thing either guys…
The players to watch:
Trent Rixon had a frustrating game against South, missing a glaring opportunity, and there’s probably no better team to offer a confidence boost at the moment than Green Gully. On the other side, where will the goals come from for Gully? Englishman Matthew Breeze got in on the act last week but will need help from his teammates.
The prediction:
Will the toll of a third game in the space of a week be too much for Port Melbourne? Sure, they may feel the affects, but they’re still a safe shout for the three points. 4-1 to Port to get their season back on track after a barren run of their own.
Hume City (5th) vs. Heidelberg United (1st)
The form:
This will be a tantalising clash for those making the Saturday night trip. Hume City host ladder leaders Heidelberg United under lights at Broadmeadows Valley Park and will be looking for the three points that evaded them against Melbourne Knights. That game ended 0-0, as did the Bergers match against Avondale. Hopefully there’s more goals between these two sides this time round.
The players to watch:
The key match-up this weekend should come in Hume’s half, as Petar Franjic and Shane Rexhepi will want to keep it as tight as possible in defence. Heidelberg’s danger comes in two fold as Kaine Sheppard has been in great form to begin 2015, and while strike partner Dan Heffernan was red-carded last week, in should step in Kenny Athiu to make his mark.
The prediction:
Hume are a good outfit this year and know how to keep it tight. Heidelberg are also the masters in defence and George Katsakis’ side is set out to shut out their opponents. Too hard to separate the sides so I’ll cop out with a 1-1 draw.
Dandenong Thunder (12th) vs. North Geelong Warriors (14th)
The form:
It’s the old proverbial six-pointer and the old adverbial crucial one as two desperate sides meet in a must-win clash. North Geelong were brave in their last outing as they escaped a first vs. last matchup against Heidelberg with a point and a clean sheet. Goals have been easier to come by for Dandenong Thunder in recent weeks, but a worrying stat is the goals that they’re conceding. Despite scoring six goals, their last three losses have seen them concede 12 goals. They’ll need to keep it tight against the Warriors if they want the win.
The players to watch:
One goal in their last five outings for North Geelong bodes for bad reading. Robbie Zadworny will be keen on getting his name on the scoresheet again, while Nikola Jurkovic will be looking for his name in our feature stories section another strong performance this campaign.
Jarod Blackborne won’t be playing, as he and Yusuf Ahmed confused our Facebook for their iMessage.
Well that writes this section itself. Keep an eye on Jarryd Barnes up front on Saturday.
The prediction:
Although it’s not even half way into the NPL Victoria competition, North Geelong fast find themselves stranded at the foot of the ladder. A win is crucial, especially on the back of their heroics against Heidelberg, but Dandenong are also looking like a capable attacking unit. Tough call but North Geelong to consolidate with a tight 2-1 win.
Werribee City (13th) vs. Oakleigh Cannons (10th)
The form:
11 rounds in without a win doesn’t make for great reading that’s for sure. Werribee have also seemingly matched up with Oakleigh Cannons at the wrong time – as cliché as that is – as the visitors have hit a resurgence in their game under Arthur Papas. They’ve now won two on the trot to shoot up to 10th with finals football an achievable target. They have to get through the stern test that Werribee present however.
The players to watch:
Dean Piemonte netted his first goals of the season to effectively end the Thunder’s chance of a win on the weekend, with a much more similar outfit to last season lining up. Kris Kioussis is starting games after a battle with injury and Dom D’Angelo is always reliable. Simon Colosimo has been looked after this campaign and he’ll need to be at his best to stop the Oakleigh train fast gaining momentum.
The prediction:
We’ve just about tipped Werribee for a result since the start of these previews to no avail. So Bees fans, we’ll do you a massive favour and tip Oakleigh for a 2-0 win and you just watch your side grab a win, just to spite me.