NPL preview: Finals race heats up in NSW, heavyweights square off in Victoria

With the top-three seemingly locked in, there’s an enthralling seven-way battle for the final two spots in the top five in NSW heading into the last four rounds.

Sydney United 58 and Sydney Olympic occupy fourth and fifth right now but face contrasting matches this weekend.

United should take all three points against Sydney FC – on current form – but Olympic face a tricky clash away at second-place APIA Leichardt.

In other matches, Wollongong Wolves need to just two more wins to lock-up the premiership and they could get the first of those at home to Sutherland Sharks on Saturday night.

FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 outfits Marconi Stallions and Mount Druitt Town Rangers also do battle at Marconi Stadium.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL NSW home page.

Wollongong Wolves celebrate a goal - Pic courtesy of Football NSW
The Wolves are just two wins away from the Premiership

Victoria

Friday night football brings us three huge clashes but none bigger than the one at Kingston Heath.

Bentleigh Greens currently occupy second spot and host third-place Heidelberg in a match that will have a major bearing on the top-two.

Of course, the pair are trying to chase down Avondale, who are away against struggling Dandenong Thunder on Saturday night.

The Avengers currently hold a five-point lead at the top of the ladder.

Elsewhere, Melbourne Knights take on Pascoe Vale and Hume City welcome South Melbourne to ABD Stadium.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL Victoria home page.

Liam Boland
Liam Boland will hope to be amongst the goals for Avondale this weekend

South Australia

There’s a huge battle in the race for the finals at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday as MetroStars entertain Adelaide Olympic.

MetroStars are currently sitting in sixth spot, two points and two places behind fourth-place City.

It means it’s a huge three points at stake for both clubs if they want to be involved in finals football.

Elsewhere, league-leaders Campbelltown City are at home against Adelaide United, Adelaide Blue Eagles travel to Adelaide City and Raiders host South Adelaide.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL SA home page.

Campbelltown
Campbelltown City will be looking to maintain their healthy buffer at the top of the ladder

Australian Capital Territory

Canberra Olympic – currently second – will have their premiership credentials put to the test on Saturday when they travel to third-place Monaro Panthers.

Frank Cachia’s Olympic were in ominous form last weekend and will be keen to keep that going in their quest to chase down league-leaders Tigers FC.

The Tigers should have little trouble taking all three points on Saturday, as they take on last-place Riverina Rhinos.

In other matches, Woden-Weston take on Canberra FC and Belconnen United do battle with Gungahlin United.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL Capital Football page.

Ian Graham - Canberra FC
Canberra FC take on Woden-Weston this weekend

Tasmania

South Hobart will be out to dent the premiership hopes of Olympia when the two sides meet at Warrior Park on Friday night.

With the Warriors two points behind leaders Devonport – who have a game in hand – only a win will do for the home side.

But South Hobart are in excellent form and will be full of confidence. The last time these two met it was a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Elsewhere, Devonport travel to Hobart Zebras, while Kingborough take on Launceston City.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL Tasmania home page.

Prolific Devonport forward Miles Barnard. Credit: Solstice Digital
Devonport Strikers are the team to catch up in Tassie

Northern NSW

The match of the round in the Hunter comes from Jack McLaughlan Oval as leaders Edgeworth Eagles take on Maitland FC.

Both these sides – who are also involved in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 32 – have designs on the title this season, making for a blockbuster match-up on Saturday afternoon.

Elsewhere, Weston Bears and Lambton Jaffas square off on Sunday, while Broadmeadow Magic travel to Valentine Phoenix.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL NNSW home page.

Daniel McBreen celebrates a goal for Edgeworth
Edgeworth Eagles are involved in a key match this weekend

Queensland

Only the three games in Queensland this weekend, with the pick of the bunch coming on Sunday between two sides involved in this year’s FFA Cup Round of 32.

Magpies Crusaders are at home against an Olympic FC that can close to within one point of leaders Peninsula Power with a win.

Elsewhere, SWQ Thunder are at home against Gold Coast Knights, while Brisbane Strikers take on Sunshine Coast.

Both those matches will be played on Saturday.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL Queensland home page.

Olympic FC have a huge opportunity this weekend to close in on top spot
Olympic FC have a huge opportunity this weekend to close in on top spot

Western Australia

The NPL action takes a break in the west this week as the Belt Up Cup Final takes centre stage.

The season’s first piece of silverware goes on the line, with Bayswater City taking on Floreat Athena.

CLICK HERE to visit the NPL WA home page.

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