“Hellas” finds itself locked into a tense battle for the premiership with Oakleigh and they will need to hold their nerve going into this weekend’s fixture against bottom-placed Eastern Lions, with the Cannons ready to pounce on any dropped points.

The league leaders allowed their gap in first to narrow to two points after a tough draw last week, making their 20th round Victorian NPL clash against lower-ranked opposition a must-win.

Oakleigh features first this weekend, hosting a Friday night match with Dandenong City, and they will be seeking a win to create even more pressure for their title rivals.

Bentleigh Greens travels in the other Friday night contest to face Green Gully and the visitors will be hoping to find three points after some costly draws have seen them fall out of the top six.

South Melbourne takes on Eastern Lions away on Saturday afternoon in a must-win match against an opposition that looks doomed to relegation.

“Hellas” manager Estaban Quintas was enthused by their previous result (0-0 draw against Green Gully) despite it bringing Oakleigh within range of them, while also stressing the need to be wary of every opposition as the regular season’s conclusion draws nearer.

“It was a point against a great team…We kept a clean sheet, and we had our chances to score. It was our first time in the league that we didn’t score a goal in a game,” Mr Quintas told Neos Kosmos.

“We are at a stage now in which all teams are playing for something important. Whether it be for a title, to avoid relegation or finish in the play-offs, every game is practically a final.”

Port Melbourne Sharks are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss last weekend in their away fixture with Altona Magic on Saturday evening.

Heidelberg closes the round with a Sunday afternoon away match against St Albans, as “Megas” looks to extend its ten-match unbeaten run which has propelled them into the top six.

NSW

Sydney Olympic is preparing for a tough rivalry clash against Sydney United in their 18th round clash on Sunday afternoon, with the Blues continuing their pursuit for their first premiership since 2018.

In Northern NSW, Newcastle Olympic is looking to record their third straight victory when they battle Valentine FC in the 17th round on Sunday afternoon.

SA

Adelaide Olympic travels to play South Adelaide in their Round 17 match on Saturday afternoon, with the travellers able to jump their opponents if they manage to earn all three points.

QLD

Olympic FC hosts an in-form Moreton Bay United on Sunday night in the 16th round as the home team looks for a win to put themselves back in the race for top spot.

WA

Floreat Athena is set for a huge top-of-the-table Round 15 away clash with Perth RedStar on Saturday

evening and a win could prove crucial for the Hellenic WA side’s title ambitions.

ACT

Canberra Olympic takes on Tigers FC on Saturday afternoon in a difficult 12th round match and, after three draws, they will be desperate to go a step further and fight their way towards the top four.

TAS

Olympia Warriors contests with third-placed Kingborough Lions in a 12th round home fixture on Friday night and the Warriors will look to somehow build on their 4-0 win last week, which was only their second of the season thus far.

Victoria-Rd 20

Green Gully-Bentleigh Greens: 20.00, Fri 01 Jul

Oakleigh Cannons-Dandenong City: 20.30, Fri 01 Jul

Eastern Lions-South Melbourne: 15.00, Sat 02 Jul

Altona Magic-Port Melbourne Sharks: 18.00, Sat 02 Jul

St Albans-Heidelberg Utd: 18.00, Sun 03 Jul

NSW-Rd 18

Sydney Olympic-Sydney United: 16.00, Sun 03 Jul

Northern NSW-Rd 17

Newcastle Olympic-Valentine FC: 14.00, Sun 03 Jul

SA-Rd 17

South Adelaide-Adelaide Olympic: 15.30, Sat 02 Jul

QLD-Rd 16

Olympic FC-Moreton Bay United: 18.15, Sun 03 Jul

WA-Rd 15

Perth RedStar-Floreat Athena: 17.00, Sat 02 Jul

ACT-Rd 12

Canberra Olympic-Tigers FC: 15.00, Sat 02 Jul

TAS-Rd 12

Olympia Warriors-Kingborough Lions: 20.00, Fri 01 Jul