Round 2 of the Victorian Premier League presents an interesting collection kicks off tonight with the mouth watering Greek derby between Oakleigh Cannons and South Melbourne.
In the corresponding fixture at Jack Edwards Reserve for the last two years South Melbourne has taken the three points whereas Oakleigh took sweet victory in week 2 of the finals last season.
Both sides have undergone personnel changes from coaches to players so little can be drawn upon from last season.
There is always passion and feeling in this derby and this will be ignited even more with five former South Melbourne players in the Cannons squad.
Possible match winners to watch out for: Krncevic, Zoric and Diaco for the Cannons and Rixon, Hatzimouratis and De Moraes for South.
South President Leo Athanasakis has a mission travelling to Jack Edwards Reserve: “We go to Oakleigh wanting to make amends for last year’s finals loss”.
“We have worked hard over summer rebuilding our football department from top to bottom and we are striving to start posting victories on the ground as we are achieving off it.
“Oakleigh always offer us a great challenge and we encourage all our supporters, the blue and white army, to attend in force to create the 12th man we need to take the 3 points.”
Bentleigh Greens travelled to Richmond last night to play a disappointing Richmond who went down 2-1 at Northcote last week.
John Anstasiadis has a well drilled mobile attacking side that will be expecting to take maximum points at Kevin Bartlett Reserve.
Scott Bulloch pulls the strings in the attacking third and will be looking again to punish the opposition after scoring a brace last week.
First round winners Hume City host Dandenong Thunder in an anticipated tough contest.
Chris Taylor has assembled a well-balanced strong squad at Dandenong and I would not be surprised if they come out of Epping with the 3 points.
Today, Green Gully host Heidelberg United with both sides looking to win their first points of the season after disappointing opening round losses.
Northcote City travel to Southern Stars on Saturday after an impressive home victory last week.
President Peter Kotsiris is confident but cautious tackling one of last season’s promoted State 1 teams: “It’s a very important game due to the fact we started the season off well and we would like to maintain our momentum however we know that it’s going to be a very tough game after Southern Stars losing last week. They will be out to make amends in front of their home fans in their first home game.”
Northcote anticipate Alex Rojas to be out for Ricardo Gonzales and James Stefanou may cover for Kristian Konstantinidis due to being ill all week.
The only Sunday match sees Moreland Zebras tackle Melbourne Knights with both sides coming off disappointing starts to the season.
Moreland Zebras were smashed 4-0 by South Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium quelling some of the big expectations for 2012.
Dominic Barba knows his charges need to put in a strong performance to ensure last week was merely an aberration and create some much needed momentum.
The Knights have a young side and confidence is needed before their season starts looking like a bottom half struggle.
Expect the Zebras to come out and get their season back on track at home.
Moving onto the NSWPL, last season’s champions Sydney Olympic open their season at Belmore Sports Ground against Rockdale City Suns on Sunday.
We will be keeping a close eye on the current champions this season and hoping our Greek cousins in NSW can make it back to back in 2012.
To all people attending matches enjoy the game and let’s hope for some exciting football this week end!
