Heidelberg United have been the team to beat this season, sitting pretty at the top of the table. After a rare stumble against Dandenong City last week, John Anastasiadis’ yellow and blacks are determined to get back to winning ways when they travel to Altona to face the Magic on Saturday at 3.15pm.
The task won’t be straightforward. Altona Magic, languishing in 10th with 21 points, are just six points clear of the relegation zone and will throw everything at Heidelberg to secure a result. The Magic’s attack has been toothless, managing only 19 goals in 20 matches, but their defence, conceding 31 goals, is more solid than their position suggests. Heidelberg will need to crack Altona’s defensive wall early to claim the three points and edge closer to securing top spot.
Reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons face a stern test as they travel to Dandenong to take on third placed Dandenong Thunder on Saturday at 7pm. Chris Taylor’s side are coming off a thumping 4-0 win over Preston Lions and are keen to shake off their mid-season wobble. Sitting fourth with 37 points, the Cannons are well placed but know a slip up could cost them dearly in the race for the play-offs.
Thunder, just eight points off the top, are enjoying a dream season, playing attractive football and eyeing a premiership push through the play-offs. They’ll fancy their chances against Oakleigh, but the Cannons have a knack for turning dreams into nightmares, as Preston Lions learned last week. This high stakes clash will test whether Oakleigh have what it takes to defend their crown.
South Melbourne Hellas are riding a wave of momentum after their win over Hume City, a result that has lifted spirits and pulled them clear of the relegation zone. Now, Sinisa Cohadzic’s side travel to Dandenong to face Nick Tolios’ Dandenong City on Friday at 7.45pm, chasing a victory that could bring them within touching distance of the top six—a scenario that seemed unthinkable just weeks ago.
City, however, are no pushovers and will fight tooth and nail for the points. Hellas will need to be clinical and resolute to secure a result in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle with huge implications for the standings. Don’t miss this one!
It’s been a nightmare season for Port Melbourne Sharks, who are running out of steam and hope in their fight to avoid relegation. After failing to take anything from their home clash with St Albans Saints last week, the Sharks face a daunting trip to Reservoir to take on Preston Lions on Sunday at 3pm. Sitting 13th with 15 points, Port Melbourne need a miracle to turn their season around. Football’s a funny game, though, can the Sharks pull off a shock?
VPL1
In VPL1, Pancyprios are laser focused on securing promotion back to the NPL. The Cheltenham based side host Bulleen Lions on Friday, and anything less than a win is unthinkable for the greens. Bulleen, however, have their own ambitions and will arrive ready to battle. Pancyprios will need focus, passion, and clinical finishing to bag the three points and keep their promotion dream on track.
Brunswick City’s Leonidas face a massive clash on Saturday, travelling to North Sunshine to take on the sixth-placed Eagles, who trail them by just two points (32 vs. 30). A win is pure gold for Brunswick, as it would solidify their top six spot and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Northcote City’s Iraklis head to Caroline Springs to face the third-placed George Cross on Friday at 7.30pm. With the best attack in the league (53 goals in 20 matches) and a solid defence (30 goals conceded), George Cross are a formidable outfit. Iraklis will need to be at their sharpest to keep their slim top six hopes alive.
Kingston City’s Clarinda, coached by Kostas Tagkalakis, face a do or die trip to Manningham United on Saturday at 3.15pm. Sitting second bottom with 13 points, a win is their only chance to keep their faint hopes of survival alive. Can they summon the fight to pull it off?
VPL2
In VPL2, Box Hill United’s Pythagoras travel to Werribee City for a crucial clash this weekend. Sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, Werribee will come out swinging, making this a tough test for the Greek Australian side. Pythagoras’ mission is clear: keep Werribee at bay and seize any chance to nick a result. It’s a tall order, but far from impossible.
NPL – Fixture
Friday 4 July
Green Gully – Melbourne Victory 7.30pm
Dandenong City – South Melbourne 7.45pm
Hume City – Avondale 8.30pm
Saturday 5 July
Altona Magic – Heidelberg United 3.15pm
Dandenong Thunder – Oakleigh Cannons 7pm
Sunday 6 July
Preston Lions – Port Melbourne Sharks 3pm
St Albans Saints – Melbourne Knights 4pm
NPL – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Heidelberg 20 48
2. Avondale 20 45
3. Dandenong Thunder 20 40
4. Oakleigh Cannons 19 37
5. Hume City 20 31
6. Preston Lions 20 29
7. Dandenong City 20 28
8. Green Gully 20 26
9. South Melbourne 20 22
10. Altona Magic 20 21
11. St Albans Saints 20 20
12. Melbourne Victory 20 15
13. Port Melbourne 20 15
14. Melbourne Knights 19 13
VPL1 – Fixtures
Friday 4 July
Eastern Lions – Melbourne Srbija 7.30pm
Northcote City – Caroline Springs George Cross 7.30pm
Bentleigh Greens – Bulleen Lions 8.30pm
Saturday 5 July
Melbourne City – Western United 3pm
North Sunshine Eagles – Brunswick City 3pm
Langwarrin – Moreland City 3pm
Manningham United Blues – Kingston City 3.15pm
VPL1 – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Melbourne City 19 42
2. Bentleigh 20 42
3. George Cross 20 39
4. Western United 19 32
5. Brunswick 20 33
6. North Sunshine 20 30
7. Bulleen Lions 19 30
8. Northcote 19 28
9. Melbourne Srbija 20 24
10. Langwarrin 20 23
11. Manningham 20 22
12. Eastern Lions 20 17
13. Moreland City 20 14
14. Kingston City 20 13
