After back-to-back draws cost them a chance to jump to first, Oakleigh will be coming out with a vengeance against Heidelberg this week as they aim to keep pushing for the premiership.

The Cannons failed to maximise on South Melbourne’s loss last round, making it imperative they record a win so as to continue breathing down the necks of their title rivals.

Bentleigh hosts Melbourne Knights on Friday night in the opener of the Victorian NPL’s 17th round, and the out-of-form Greens are hoping for a much-needed win with three other clubs looking to take their spot in sixth.

“Hellas” takes on St Albans at home on Saturday evening and they will be keen to earn all three points and add more pressure to Oakleigh’s match.

South Melbourne manager Estaban Quintas is wary of the threat the opposition poses, having the third-best away record in the competition, while also stressing that his team’s focus is on every match as it comes.

“They are a tough and neat side who focus on winning second balls and playing on counter-attacks. Their form away from home says it will be a tough match,” Mr Quintas told Neos Kosmos.

“Right now, our only goal is to win this Saturday and that is what’s most important to us.”

Port Melbourne battles last-placed Eastern Lions and the Sharks will be eager to consolidate their place in third after they defeated Green Gully to jump past them last round.

The Cannons are preparing for a visit from a tough “Alexandros” side on Monday afternoon which will be motivated to perform with finals football well and truly in their reach.

NSW

The league leaders, Sydney Olympic, come into their Round 15 home match against Wollongong Wolves on Monday afternoon with confidence, though, with the top six split by only three points, they will be wary that a loss or draw would likely see them displaced.

In Northern NSW, Newcastle Olympic (6th) is set for a huge 14th round away match against first-placed Charlestown Azzuri on Sunday afternoon, with the Novocastrians needing to overcome a three-match winless run.

QLD

Olympic FC (2nd) will be eyeing three points as they take on second-last Brisbane Roar U21 in their Round 13 home clash on Saturday night, with the hosts striving to stay in range of first place.

WA

Floreat Athena (4th) plays Perth SC at home on Saturday evening in the 11th round, with the Hellenic WA club aiming to bounce back from a disappointing loss last week against Armadale.

ACT

Canberra Olympic (6th) is aiming to overturn their poor form (three straight losses) as they host O’Connor Knights in a ninth-round clash on Saturday night, and the home side will be eager for maximum points which would see them overtake their opponents.

Victoria – Round 17

Bentleigh Greens-Melbourne Knights: 20.30, Fri 10 Jun

Port Melbourne Sharks-Eastern Lions: 17.30, Sat 11 Jun

South Melbourne-St Albans: 18.45, Sat 11 Jun

Oakleigh Cannons-Heidelberg Utd: 16.30, Mon 13 Jun

NSW – Round 15

Sydney Olympic-Wollongong Wolves: 16.00, Mon 13 Jun

Northern NSW-Rd 14

Charlestown Azzuri-Newcastle Olympic: 14.00, Sun 12 Jun

QLD – Round 13

Olympic FC-Brisbane Roar U21: 18.00, Sat 11 Jun

WA – Round 12

Floreat Athena-Perth SC: 17.00, Sat 11 Jun

ACT- Round 9

Canberra Olympic-O’Connor Knights: 15.00, Sat 11 Jun