Two eagerly awaited Hellenic derbies feature in round seven of the NPL 1 this Sunday. They include a grand final rematch between the two dominant Victorian teams of the last two seasons, Bentleigh Greens and South Melbourne, followed by the meeting of Heidelberg United and Port Melbourne Sharks at Olympic Village.

Lakeside is the stage for the resumption of the intense rivalry between the two teams currently sitting first and second on the ladder. The Greens have had the edge in recent encounters, twice denying Chris Taylor’s team silverware with wins in last season’s NPL grand final and the Community Shield final, in this season’s curtain-raiser. They’ll go into this match arguably stronger up front than what they were in their last two encounters, with striker Matt Thurtell having returned this season from a long-term injury.

South’s Golden Boot striker Milos Lujic is also back after missing the Community Shield encounter.

On paper there’s little separating these two sides, with both having the same points and goal difference. The Greens’ strength and power in the middle has proved decisive in their last two encounters with South, and may prove a major factor again. Kick-off is at 4.00 pm at Lakeside.

The second Sunday derby sees fourth-placed Heidelberg host third-placed Port Melbourne Sharks. Port Melbourne has quietly made its way up the ladder with minimum fanfare. Last week it scored an excellent 2-nil away win at Green Gully thanks to an Alec Goodwin brace.

At the same time the Bergers were putting six past close neighbour Northcote City in a ruthless display. Although scoring freely, the Bergers’ defence has also impressed conceding just two goals in its last five matches and keeping three clean sheets.

On Sunday Oakleigh Cannons hopes to continue accumulating points when it travels to Epping Stadium to take on the youth of Melbourne Victory.
In Saturday action, Northcote City hosts Avondale FC, with both teams looking for a breakthrough first win of the season.