The NPL is charging towards a thrilling climax, with the table topping Heidelberg United leading the pack. Under the guidance of John Anastasiadis, the Bergers have their eyes firmly fixed on the championship trophy. To lift the silverware, though, they’ll need to maintain the form that’s seen them dominate from the off. This week, the yellow and black travel to one of the toughest grounds in the league – Green Gully’s home patch.

The “Greens” , sitting eighth with 29 points, are just three points shy of the coveted sixth spot. Every match is a must win for Green Gully as they chase a play off berth. Their lads will leave it all on the pitch, knowing a result against the league leaders could be a game-changer. But Heidelberg have little to fear. Their quality, clinical finishing, and relentless drive should see them edge closer to the title with another three points.

Reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons have a chance to cement their top four spot this weekend. After shaking off a mid-season dip, Chris Taylor’s side look ready to defend their crown. They welcome Hume City, a side scrapping to stay in the top six. Hume’s recent home loss to Avondale has piled on the pressure, with Dandenong City and Green Gully lurking just behind. Expect the Turkish Australian outfit to come out swinging, but if Oakleigh stay solid at the back and sharp up top, they should bag the win.

A massive clash awaits South Melbourne as they host Altona Magic in a match that could shape their season. Sitting 10th with 23 points, South Melbourne are just two points ahead of their 11th-placed opponents. Last week, the Greek Australian side threw away a two goal lead against Dandenong City, conceding a late equaliser to drop two vital points. This defensive fragility has plagued them all season, and coach Sinisa Cohadzic is desperate for a fix. Tighten up at the back and keep their attacking spark, and South Melbourne could nick a crucial victory. Kick-off is set for 5.00 pm on Sunday, 20 July.

Port Melbourne Sharks face a do or die clash this Friday against Dandenong Thunder. The Greek Australian side from the docks are up against it, with their backs to the wall in the relegation fight. Under Maxim Gaydovskiy, Port Melbourne know only wins will do to avoid the drop to VPL1. Facing a quality side like Dandenong Thunder, the Sharks will need to dig deep and show some real grit to secure a precious three points.

All eyes are on the historic Grange Reserve this weekend, Kingston City host second-placed Bentleigh Greens. Photo: Con Deves

VPL1

All eyes are on the historic Grange Reserve this weekend, where Kingston City host second-placed Bentleigh Greens. The two clubs are on opposite trajectories this season: Clarinda are second bottom, fighting tooth and nail to stay in the division, while Pancyprios is pushing for promotion back to the NPL. This clash might not have the glamour of years past, but it’s steeped in history and sure to stir memories for the old guard of both clubs.

Brunswick City’s Leonidas are out to lock in their top-six spot when they welcome 11th-placed Manningham United Blues. The Greek Australian side know a win is crucial, but it won’t come easy. Manningham, hovering dangerously close to the drop zone, will throw everything at this one to climb the table. Expect a fiery contest in Brunswick.

A tough away day awaits Northcote City’s Iraklis as they travel to face Bulleen Lions. Sitting eighth with 28 points, Northcote are just two points behind the seventh-placed Lions. The numbers tell the story—this is a must-win for the Greek-Australian outfit if they’re to keep their top-six hopes alive. Can they roar past the Lions and close the gap?

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A pivotal match looms for Box Hill United’s Pythagoras, who host Essendon Royals in a game that could define their season. Sitting eighth with 27 points, Pythagoras are four points adrift of the sixth-placed Royals. A win would be a massive boost for the Greek Australian side, reigniting their play-off push. They’ve got the quality to get it done, but this one will come down to heart and intensity on the pitch. With easy games now a rarity, Pythagoras must show what they’re made of.

The NPL is charging towards a thrilling climax, with the table topping Heidelberg United leading the pack. Photo: Heidelberg United

NPL – Fixtures

Friday, 18 July

Green Gully vs Heidelberg United, 7.30pm

Port Melbourne Sharks vs Dandenong Thunder, 8.15pm

Oakleigh Cannons vs Hume City, 8.15pm

Preston Lions vs Melbourne Knights, 8.30pm

Saturday, 19 July

Avondale vs Dandenong City, 3pm

South Melbourne vs Altona Magic, 5pm

Sunday, 20 July

St Albans Saints vs Melbourne Victory, 5pm

NPL – Standings

Team Matches Points

1. Heidelberg 21 51

2. Avondale 21 48

3. Dandenong Thunder 21 41

4. Oakleigh Cannons 21 39

5. Preston Lions 21 32

6. Hume City 21 31

7. Dandenong City 21 29

8. Green Gully 21 29

9. St Albans Saints 21 23

10. South Melbourne 21 23

11. Altona Magic 21 21

12. Melbourne Victory 21 15

13. Port Melbourne 21 15

14. Melbourne Knights 21 14

VPL1 – Fixtures

Friday, 18 July

Brunswick City Leonidas vs Manningham United Blues, 7.30pm

Langwarrin vs Melbourne City, 7.30pm

Saturday, 19 July

Eastern Lions vs Western United, 3pm

Caroline Springs George Cross vs Moreland City, 6pm

Kingston City vs Bentleigh Greens, 6pm

Bulleen Lions vs Northcote City, 6pm

Melbourne Srbija vs North Sunshine Eagles, 6.30pm

VPL1 – Standings

Team Matches Points

1. Melbourne City 21 45

2. Bentleigh 21 45

3. George Cross 21 42

4. Western United 21 38

5. North Sunshine 21 33

6. Brunswick 21 32

7. Bulleen Lions 21 30

8. Northcote 21 28

9. Melbourne Srbija 21 27

10. Langwarrin 21 26

11. Manningham 21 22

12. Eastern Lions 21 17

13. Kingston City 21 16

14. Moreland City 21 14