Just a few turns before the end of the regular season and no one dares to predict which team will come out on top. It has been a wonderful season, providing us with emotions, intense matches, and a beautiful football spectacle every week.
South Melbourne – Hume City
South Melbourne have the chance to reverse their fortunes and put last week’s loss to the Cannons behind them as they host Hume City. The “Turks” do have a strong team and could come into this match on the heels of a 3-2 win against Moreland.
Of course, Esteban Quintas’ players must show the same seriousness they have displayed since the start of the year. It is certain that the Argentinian coach is solely focused on victory, as a possible defeat could see the historic club fall to third place behind Avondale and Oakleigh.
Bentleigh Greens – Oakleigh Cannons
This weekend, Bentleigh will host Cannons in a match full of local history as the “Greek” derbies continue.
After their away win against St Albans, the hosts have moved off the bottom of the table and will be expected to give it their all against last year’s champions in order to stay clear of the bottom two places.
Meanwhile, the visitors are in seventh heaven after their success in the derby against South Melbourne and are getting better week by week. They will appear on the pitch with the sole aim of securing the three points, which under the right conditions could take them up to second place, behind only Avondale.
Altona Magic – Heidelberg United
This week, Heidelberg will travel west to take on Altona Magic. Despite leaving their last match at Port Melbourne with their heads down, the “yellow and black” have put their poor start to the season behind them and now look steadier on their feet.
With only 10 points separating them from the sixth privileged position, they are ready to climb up the standings.
The NPL2
Northcote City will host Brunswick City on Friday night for the NPL2 championship’s “blue and white” derby, with both teams expected to give their all on the pitch due to their ranking positions not allowing for the loss of points.
Northcote currently sit in 10th position in the table, while Brunswick are in 13th and penultimate place in the standings. Meanwhile, leaders Kingston are expected to have an easier task as they welcome Pascoe Vale, who are this year’s bottom and relatively weak side.
The NPL3
Box Hill United will attempt to get back to winning ways this weekend. Pythagoras will travel to Shepparton to take on the third-placed Goulburn Valley Suns.
The State Leagues
This week, Yarraville face a daunting task as they host the league leaders, Altona City. The “Hellenic” side are coming off a 2-0 defeat against Strathmore and currently sit in 9th place, just three points above the relegation zone.
On Sunday, the two “blue and white” clubs from the Southeast group of the same league will have home battles. Malvern will host the White Eagles while Aris will host Gippsland United, with both matches kicking off at 3 pm.
NPL – Schedule
Friday 07/07
St Albans – Port Melbourne Sharks 19:45
Saturday 07/08
Avondale – Dandenong Thunder 14:30
Moreland v Green Gully 15:00
Bentleigh Greens – Oakleigh Cannons 15:00
Altona Magic – Heidelberg United 18:15
Sunday 07/09
North Geelong Warriors – Melbourne Knights 15:00
South Melbourne – Hume City 15:00
NPL – RATING
1. Avondale 20 53
2. South Melbourne 19 49
3. Oakleigh Cannons 20 48
4. Melbourne Knights 20 35
5. Port Melbourne 20 34
6. Green Gully 20 30
7. Altona Magic 20 29
8. Dandenong Thunder 20 24
9. Hume City 20 20
10. Heidelberg United 19 20
11. St Albans Saints 20 16
12. Bentleigh Greens 20 14
13. North Geelong 20 13
14. Moreland City 20 12
NPL2 – Schedule
Friday 07/07
Brunswick Juventus – Preston Lions 20:30
Northcote City – Brunswick City 20:30
Saturday 07/08
Western United (Y) – Melbourne City (Y) 15:00
Langwarrin – Dandenong City 15:00
Manningham United Blues – Werribee 15:00
Sunday 07/09
Kingston City – Pascoe Vale 16:45
Monday 10/07
Bulleen Lions – Eastern Lions 20:15
NPL2 – Table
1. Kingston City 20 37
2. Western United (Y) 20 35
3. Preston Lions 20 34
4. Dandenong 20 33
5. Eastern Lions 19 30
6. Langwarrin 20 29
7. Manningham 20 29
8. Werribee 20 26
9. Melbourne City (Y) 20 26
10. Northcote City 19 24
11. Brunswick Juventus 20 24
12. Brunswick City 20 23
13. Bulleen 20 23
14. Pascoe Vale 20 20
NPL3 – Schedule
Saturday 07/08
Beaumaris -Essendon Royals 15:00
Goulburn Valley Suns – Box Hill United 15:00
Doveton v Ballarat City 15:00
Boroondara Carey Eagles – Nunawading 15:00
Geelong- North Sunshine Eagles 18:00
Sunday 07/09
Melbourne Victory (Y) – Caroline Springs George Cross 15:00
NPL3 – Table
1. Melbourne Victory (Y) 16 38
2. Caroline Springs 15 31
3. Goulburn Suns 16 28
4. Boroondara 16 26
5. Nunawading 15 25
6. North Sunshine 16 25
7. Doveton 16 23
8. Box Hill 16 18
9. Essendon 16 17
10. Geelong 16 16
11. Beaumaris 16 15
12. Ballarat 16 8
