It’s the 20th round of the NPL championship, where the football field becomes a battlefield for settling scores.

The Greek Australian teams are eager to show off their skills and shut down any doubters.

South Melbourne Hellas is aiming for a win against the Cannons to prove they deserve their seven-point lead over Avondale and that the rest of the top six teams must work hard to challenge them.

Meanwhile, the Cannons are desperate to bounce back after three unsuccessful games and show off their strength.

Heidelberg United is back in the game and ready to make some serious noise with a win against Avondale.

And Port Melbourne has some scores to settle as they aim to bring down the Melbourne Knights, showing that they belong in the top six.

In this arena, it’s not just about the goals, it’s about sending a clear message to friends and foes alike. Let the games begin.

South Melbourne – Oakleigh Cannons

The battle between two titans of the NPL will have all fans on the edge of their seats this weekend. South Melbourne and Cannons will clash in a derby dripping with football fervour and a rich backstory.

One team, South Melbourne, has been on fire lately, playing with efficiency and executing their coach’s tactics like the pros they are. It’s no surprise they’re sitting pretty at the top of the table, reigning supreme and leaving their opponents in the dust.

Meanwhile, poor Cannons seem to be stuck in a rut, relying on brute force and individual brilliance to try and keep up with the competition. But their one-trick pony routine has made them an easy target for other teams’ defences, resulting in a less than stellar fourth place on the leader board, a whopping ten points behind the leaders.

But let’s not dismiss the Cannons just yet. They may be struggling now, but they’re still a formidable force with top-notch players and management. They even added the likes of Jacob Tratt to their already impressive squad, further elevating their chances of a comeback.

All eyes will be on this epic clash, and we can only hope it lives up to its undeniable hype.

Heidelberg United – Avondale

As Heidelberg United prepares to take on last season’s champions Avondale, they’re looking to put the queso on the nachos with a win on Friday night.

Their recent victory over South Melbourne has given them a much needed boost of confidence, and they’re ready to give the Italian Australians a run for their pizza money. A victorious win would not only make the other teams green with envy, but also cement Heidelberg’s spot as a top contender that is not to be trifled with.

However, they’ll have to outplay a team that’s known for their top-notch players and unwavering determination to win.

Heidelberg’s players will have to give it their all on the pitch to come out on top and keep their spot in the top six.

Its game time!

Altona Magic – Port Melbourne

Port Melbourne is ready to take on another hazardous adventure this week.

After snagging a point in their last home game against Alexandros, Nick Marinos’ squad is determined to snag three points against the “Magicians” from Altona and keep a safe distance from the seventh-ranked Melbourne Knights.

In their previous match against United, Port Melbourne surprised everyone with their defensive prowess, revealing a new dimension to their game.

If the Sharks coach can merge the team’s killer offensive skills with their impenetrable defence against Alexandros, they just might make some serious waves this season.

VPL1

Get ready for a fierce showdown at the hallowed grounds of the Grange on Monday as Kingston City takes on Bentleigh Greens.

With a rich Victorian football history behind them, these teams will battle it out for points and bragging rights.

Can the struggling host rise up or will the visitors continue their winning streak thanks to coach Katsakis’ strategic magic? Don’t miss the clash of these titans!

Looks like Northcote City is ready to kick their way to the top, leaving North Geelong Warriors in the dust. A win for City means they could be #1 on the table, leaving their opponents in dire need of a map.

Brunswick City is bravely facing a dangerous away mission this week in Langwarrin. The local team is a formidable contender in VPL1. Leonidas must rack up as many points as possible to avoid a stressful end to the season.

Pressure? Please, that’s just another word for motivation.

VPL2

Watch out Altona, because Box Hill United is bringing the heat this Friday evening! This Greek Australian team is on the rise and ready to conquer even the toughest league venues. Get your souvlakia ready for the 8.30 PM kick-off.

NPL – SCHEDULE

Friday, 28/6

Dandenong City – Moreland City 7.45pm

Heidelberg United – Avondale 7.45pm

Saturday, 29/6

Altona Magic – Port Melbourne Sharks 3pm

Manningham United – St Albans Saints 3pm

Dandenong Thunder – Green Gully 7pm

Hume City – Melbourne Knights 7pm

Sunday, 30/6

South Melbourne – Oakleigh Cannons 4pm

Heidelberg United will host last year’s champions Avondale. Photo: Con Deves

NPL – TABLE

1. South Melbourne 19 47

2. Avondale 19 42

3. Heidelberg Utd 19 37

4. Oakleigh Cannons 19 37

5. Hume City 19 36

6. Port Melb Sharks 19 30

7. Melb Knights 19 25

8. Dand City 19 25

9. Green Gully 19 23

10. Altona Magic 19 21

11. Dand Thunder 19 21

12. Manningham 19 11

13. Moreland 19 10

14. St. Albans 19 10

VPL1 – SCHEDULE

Friday, 28/6

Preston Lions – Eastern Lions 8.30pm

Werribee City – Bulleen Lions 8.30pm

Saturday, 29/6

Melbourne City – Melbourne Victory 3pm

Northcote City – North Geelong Warriors 3pm

Langwarrin – Brunswick City 3pm

Caroline Springs – Western United 530pm

Monday, 1/7

Kingston City – Bentleigh Greens 8.30pm

VPL1 – TABLE

1. Melb Victory 19 41

2. Northcote 19 38

3. Preston Lions 19 38

4. Western Utd 19 37

5. Langwarrin 19 28

6. Bulleen Lions 18 25

7. Bentl Greens 19 25

8. Melb City 18 24

9. Carol Springs 19 20

10. Brunswick City 19 20

11. Kingston 19 19

12. Eastern Lions 19 18

13. Werribee City 19 15

14. North Geelong 19 11

VPL2 – SCHEDULE

Friday, 28/6

Brunswick Juventus – Beaumaris 8.30pm

Essendon Royals – Pascoe Vale 8.30pm

North Sunshine Eagles – Nunawading City 8.30pm

Altona City – Box Hill United 8.30pm

Saturday, 29/6

Goulburn Valley Suns – FC Melbourne Serbia 3pm

Doveton v Boroondara Carey Eagles 3pm

VPL2 – TABLE

1. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 15 33

2. FC Melb. Serbia 15 30

3. Brun Juventus 15 30

4. Altona City 15 27

5. Boroondara Eagles 15 23

6. Essendon Royals 15 22

7. Pascoe Vale 14 21

8. Nunawading City 15 19

9. Box Hill 15 19

10. Doveton 14 10

11. Goulburn Valley 15 9

12. Beaumaris 15 5