South Melbourne and Oakleigh are preparing for the biggest match of the regular Victorian NPL season in what could either be a deciding blow to the Cannons’ title ambitions or a huge late twist in the premiership race.

“Hellas” and Oakleigh come together for a massive top-of-the-table fight this weekend in the 22nd league round and three points would give either club a huge boost of momentum.

The competition’s two best sides this term face off on Saturday evening at Lakeside Stadium, with the hosts looking to utilise their home ground advantage to increase their two-point lead atop the ladder.

South Melbourne coach Estaban Quintas believes his team is ready for their tough opponents and will be able to offer a better result than their 2-1 loss to Oakleigh in the reverse fixture.

“I expect us to face a team with great players and great qualities that can surprise you at any time…It’s been a long time since we last met. Many things have changed since that game. Hopefully our fans will join us and give us a lift,” Mr Quintas told Neos Kosmos.

Port Melbourne takes on Dandenong City at home as they look to secure third and prepare for the finals series.

Bentleigh travels away to play Dandenong Thunder and the Greens will be keen to consolidate their place in fourth, given they are only ahead by one point and only two points away from seventh-placed Heidelberg.

“Megas” will use this as motivation for their own game against Hume City on Sunday afternoon as they continue their pursuit for a top six finish.

NSW

Sydney Olympic is preparing for a might away match against APIA Leichhardt in the 20th round on Sunday afternoon and the Blues will have to overcome their recent form (one win in last five) if they wish to jump ahead of the fourth-placed tigers who are equal on points with them (32).

In Northern NSW, Newcastle Olympic is scheduled to face Cooks Hill United in a 19th round away contest on Saturday afternoon as they continue their effort to break into the top five.

QLD

Olympic FC challenges Sunshine Coast Wanderers away in a round 11 catch-up fixture on Sunday evening, with the visitors looking to make it three wins from three as the keep pushing for the premiership.

WA

Floreat Athena goes on the road to face Gwelup Croatia on Saturday evening in the 17th round and they will accept nothing short of three points so as to remain in first (currently ahead only on goal difference).

ACT

Canberra Olympic plays Monaro Panthers away on Saturday night in the 13th round and the travellers will be desperate to go one step better and earn a victory after drawing their last four games.

TAS

Olympia Warriors takes on Launceston away in the 14th round on Saturday afternoon with the hopes of bagging their third win this campaign.

Victoria-Rd 22

Port Melbourne Sharks-Dandenong City: 17.30, Sat 16 Jul

South Melbourne-Oakleigh Cannons: 18.45, Sat 16 Jul

Dandenong Thunder-Bentleigh Greens: 19.00, Sat 16 Jul

Heidelberg United-Hume City: 15.00, Sun 17 Jul

NSW-Rd 20

APIA Leichhardt-Sydney Olympic: 16.00, Sun 17 Jul

Northern NSW-Rd 19

Cooks Hill United-Newcastle Olympic: 16.30, Sat 16 Jul

QLD-Rd 11

Sunshine Coast Wanderers-Olympic FC: 18.00, Sun 17 Jul

WA-Rd 16

Gwelup Croatia-Floreat Athena: 17.00, Sat 16 Jul

ACT-Rd 13

Monaro Panthers-Canberra Olympic: 17.45, Sat 16 Jul

TAS-Rd 14

Launceston-Olympia Warriors: 16.30, Sat 16 Jul