With only five rounds left in the 2024 regular season, the race for the top is hotter than a chili pepper eating contest. No crystal ball can predict who will come out on top. But this weekend’s matches could be the game changers. Don’t be a couch potato, grab a souvlaki and a beer and catch the action.
Avondale – Oakleigh Cannons
Get ready for the ultimate showdown on Matchday 22: Avondale versus Oakleigh Cannons.
The former champs may not have the glitz and glam of their 2023 team, but they still know how to snatch a win. Currently in second place, these Italian Australians are determined to take down the Cannons and stay in the running for the top spot, currently held by South Melbourne Hellas.
The Greek Aussies, on the other hand, have their sights set on a victory and moving up to second place. Will they finally overthrow the reigning champions? Only time will tell.
With a string of recent victories, Chris Taylor’s team is definitely not one to back down from a challenge. The battle begins at 3pm on Saturday at Avondale’s home turf, also known as Avengers Park.
It’s a fight for glory and the Cannons need all the support they can get. Don’t just sit back and watch, join the frenzy and cheer them on to victory.
Green Gully – South Melbourne
South Melbourne Hellas takes on a daring quest this weekend, journeying to the treacherous Green Gully Reserve.
While the “greens” had lofty expectations for the season, they find themselves in a measly tenth place with only a few games left.
Perhaps their defensive wall could use a little more reinforcement and their offensive strategy could use a bit more spice.
Luckily, Coach Quintas and his crew are ready to take advantage of these glaring weaknesses and secure a triumphant victory, keeping Avondale and Oakleigh Cannons is a safe distance.
Heidelberg United – Melbourne Knights
Heidelberg United has a new game plan for this matchday: to kick their opponents to the curb and reclaim their glory on the field.
Their previous defeat to the underdogs at St Albans Saints may sting, but dwelling on the past is about as productive as trying to kick a goal with your hands.
Coach John Anastasiadis is now in full-on motivational mode, determined to whip his players into shape for the final stretch of the championship.
The visitors may not be top of the league, but they’re not exactly pushovers either. Heidelberg United will need to bring their A-game if they want to avoid being served another upset on a silver platter.
With Dandenong City and the Sharks lurking dangerously close in the standings, every point counts.
A victory over the Knights would not only restore the team’s confidence, but also secure their spot in the league finals. Fingers crossed they’ve got what it takes.
Dandenong Thunder – Port Melbourne
The Port Melbourne club is currently hosting a pity party, complete with melancholy, despair, and a sprinkle of negativity.
Their recent lackluster results have landed them outside the top six, trailing the impressive Dandenong City by a mere point.
The stakes are high for the Greek Australian team, with every game being a make-or-break situation, starting with their upcoming match at Thunder’s home turf.
On the other hand, the Albanian Australians seem to have caught the bug of poor performance this year, easily conceding goals and struggling to find the back of the net themselves.
While the Sharks have the potential to triumph, the ultimate display of their abilities as a team remains to be seen. Nonetheless, their commendable efforts have landed them a decent spot in the standings, with only five rounds left in the regular season.
VPL1
Need a break from monotony? Look no further than this week’s VPL1 “menu”, guaranteed to satisfy every taste.
As Northcote, holding a strong second, faces Melbourne City on the road, their players may already be mentally racing over to Melbourne Victory’s showdown with Brunswick City. With only a mere four points separating them, the race to the top could be decided in just two matches. So it’s no surprise that all eyes at the Greek Australian club are fixed on the leading team’s upcoming games.
Looks like Brunswick City’s been playing limbo lately – they’re just four points away from getting relegated, talk about scraping the bottom! But they’re not backing down, they’ll be putting it all on the line against Victory. It’s a tough nut to crack, but never say never.
This week, the Bentleigh Greens are off on a journey to North Geelong to battle the local Warriors. Hopefully, they can bounce back from their loss to the Eastern Lions and dominate their upcoming game. However, it won’t be easy as the Warriors are stuck in last place and will undoubtedly put up a mean fight to prolong their stay in the division.
Kingston City is heading to the home of the Eastern Lions with more desperation than a dog chasing its tail. The “red and white” squad may have a six-point cushion from relegation, but that safety net can easily turn into a bee sting with just two matches. The City footballers know they must kick grass and take names to avoid a sticky situation.
VPL2
In what’s surely a test of wit and strength, Box Hill Pythagoras must venture to away territory and face off against Melbourne Srbija. To come out on top, the away team will need to bring their A-game and then some. Talk about a tall order.
NPL – SCHEDULE
Friday, 12/7
Heidelberg United – Melbourne Knights 7.30pm
Dandenong City – Hume City 7.45pm
Saturday, 13/7
Green Gully – South Melbourne 1pm
Avondale v Oakleigh Cannons 3pm
Manningham United – Moreland City 3pm
Dandenong Thunder – Port Melbourne Sharks 7pm
Sunday, 14/7
St Albans Saints – Altona Magic 3pm
NPL – TABLE
1. South Melbourne 21 50
2. Avondale 21 43
3. Oakleigh Cannons 21 43
4. Hume City 21 40
5. Heidelberg Utd 21 38
6. Dand City 21 31
7. Port Melb Sharks 21 30
8. Melb Knights 21 29
9. Altona Magic 21 27
10. Green Gully 21 24
11. Dand Thunder 21 22
12. Manningham 21 14
13. St. Albans 21 13
14. Moreland 21 10
VPL1 – SCHEDULE
Friday, 12/7
Langwarrin v Bulleen Lions 7.30pm
Werribee City – Western United 8.30pm
Brunswick City – Melbourne Victory 8.30pm
Saturday, 13/7
Melbourne City – Northcote City 3pm
North Geelong Warriors v Bentleigh Greens 3pm
Eastern Lions – Kingston City 3pm
Caroline Springs – Preston Lions 5.30pm
VPL1 – TABLE
1. Melb Victory 21 45
2. Northcote 21 41
3. Preston Lions 21 41
4. Western Utd 21 37
5. Bulleen Lions 21 32
6. Langwarrin 21 31
7. Melb City 21 28
8. Bentl Greens 21 28
9. Eastern Lions 21 24
10. Carol Springs 21 23
11. Kingston 21 22
12. Brunswick City 21 20
13. Werribee City 21 16
14. North Geelong 21 14
VPL2 – SCHEDULE
Friday, 12/7
Brunswick Juventus – North Sunshine Eagles 8.30pm
Altona City – Pascoe Vale 8.30pm
Saturday, 13/7
Doveton v Goulburn Valley Suns 3pm
Boroondara Carey Eagles v Beaumaris 3pm
Nunawading City – Essendon Royals 5.30pm
Melbourne Serbia – Box Hill United 6.15pm
VPL2 – TABLE
1. FC Melb. Serbia 17 36
2. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 17 35
3. Altona City 17 31
4. Brun Juventus 17 30
5. Pascoe Vale 16 27
6. Boroondara Eagles 17 24
7. Essendon Royals 17 23
8. Nunawading City 17 21
9. Box Hill 17 20
10. Doveton 16 13
11. Goulburn Valley 17 10
12. Beaumaris 17 9
