The PlayStation®4 NPL NSW Men’s competition is in to its fifth week and its a round brimming with highly anticipated matches.
Rockdale City Suns FC and Sydney Olympic FC face off on Sunday in a clash of the competition leaders with their undefeated streaks on the line.
Sydney FC and Blacktown City FC could be an absolute shootout with both sides able to find the back of the net with ease.
This week's Match of the Round features arguably one of the biggest clashes of the PS4 NPL NSW Men’s calendar.
Bonnyrigg White Eagles travel to Sydney United 58 FC with both teams languishing at the bottom end of the ladder.
The return of Mark Rudan as Sydney United 58 coach is sure to add another interesting story line to the derby.
Match of the Round
Sydney United 58 FC v Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC, 2pm Sunday at Sydney United Sports Centre
It took four weeks but Sydney United 58 has finally broken through for their first win of the season. Whether it took the resignation of coach Davor Bajsic to kick the Reds into action only the players will know.
This round United 58 will be out to make it two straight wins when they take on heated rivals Bonnyrigg White Eagles at Sydney United Sports Centre.
Arguably one of the biggest games of the season, this match never disappoints no matter the form going into the clash.
Bonnyrigg has paid the price for a preseason injury crisis which gutted the team of several its existing and newly acquired stars.
Without a win so far this season, the White Eagles will likely mark this match as a potential turning point.
Sydney United 58 has looked disjointed and out of sync at times. The mercurial Panny Nikas will once again have to carry the load if his teammates fail to fire.
Nikas was a standout in last Sunday’s 2-1 victory over the Sutherland Sharks with his amazing goal from halfway going viral on social media.
Adding extra spice to the clash is the return of Mark Rudan as Sydney United 58 coach. Rudan has stepped in as Bajsic's replacement for the rest of the season and will be on a mission to return his team back to their ruthless best.
It is a match not lacking in passion and that is sure to continue on Sunday.
Sutherland Sharks FC v Hakoah Sydney City, 6.30pm Saturday at Seymour Shaw
It has been a case of so close yet so far for Sutherland Sharks this season. Carlos Vilazon’s outfit has at times played some attractive football but been let down by occasional lapses.
This round they host giant killers Hakoah Sydney City East and will hope their home ground advantage is enough for a maiden win for 2017.
Player coach Gavin Rae has built on Hakoah’s successes of 12 months ago and early season results against Blacktown City and Sydney United 58 has been signs of their development as a side.
Hakoah’s rigid defence will be hard to break down but the Sharks have the tools to get the job done.
Sydney FC v Blacktown City FC, 7.45pm Saturday at Lambert Park
It has been a rollercoaster week for Sydney FC in the PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s competition.
A dramatic come from behind win against Parramatta on Wednesday, which featured five unanswered goals in the second half after trailing 2-0 at the break, marked the baby Sky Blues maiden win in the competition.
However, reality struck at Cromer Park on Sunday with Manly overcoming the competition new boys 3-2.
Coach Robbie Stanton has admitted this season will be a learning curve for many of his players, but the rapid attack and mercurial talent displayed by Sydney FC has made them anything but easy beats.
It will be an interesting challenge for reigning PlayStation®4 National Premier Leagues NSW Men’s Champions Blacktown City FC. Mark Crittenden’s side has remained undefeated so far this season despite rarely displaying the dominating form they are renowned for.
Both teams know how to hit the back of the net so there could be plenty of goals in this match-up.
Rockdale City Suns v Sydney Olympic FC, 2pm Sunday at Ilinden Sports Centre
Competition front runners Rockdale City Suns and Sydney Olympic face their sternest test this season so far.
Both sides have yet to lose a game this season and will have their heart set on ending their opponents near flawless start.
Under new coach Jamie Monroy, Olympic has adapted a technical pass heavy approach which has starved their opponents of possession and allowed them to control matches from the outset.
One such player that has wowed the crowd has been new recruit Max Burgess who will be looking to put one over his former club on Sunday.
Parramatta FC grounded out a draw with a no frills defensive effort against Sydney Olympic despite Monroy’s team holding 70 per cent of possession.
Rockdale is sure to take note of Parramatta’s approach and combine that with their slick transitional play to secure the points on Sunday.
It’s a match with potential to be one of the season’s best.
Parramatta FC v Manly United FC, 3pm Sunday at Melita Stadium
A much-improved performance from Parramatta FC on Sunday showed there is still reason for the fans at Melita Stadium to have faith.
Dogged defence and a never say die attitude helped Franco Consentino’s players hold out Sydney Olympic despite their opponents holding the majority of possession.
Manly United will be an equally tough task for Parramatta with the boys from the Northern Beaches out to keep their undefeated streak alive.
Manly has been the entertainers this season scoring 12 goals in their first four games.
It will be a tough match for the visitors but if they break through early it could be a tough day at the office for Parramatta fans.
Wollongong Wolves v APIA Leichhardt Tigers, 3pm Sunday at Win Stadium
A return to WIN Stadium could be the inspiration Wollongong Wolves need to edge top of the table side APIA Leichhardt Tigers on Sunday.
Wollongong has shown glimpses of promise this season, especially from new recruits Yuzo Tashiro and Patrick Antelmi, but has lacked the cutting edge to turn their form into wins.
APIA on the other hand can’t stop winning. It has been an incredible turn around for Danial Cummins side from their disastrous 2016 season and one fans won’t want to see end any time soon.
South Coast junior Jordan Murray will once again lead the line for APIA and will be out to show how far he has come since he played for the Wolves two seasons ago.