Last weekend saw an action-packed R3 of NPL NSW and we’re expecting nothing less for the next round. Take That Game Back are here to take you through every matchup.
APIA Leichhardt vs Sydney FC
Friday 21st August 7pm @ Lambert Park
We’ve got a cracker of a match to start off on Friday night. APIA Leichhardt host Sydney FC at Lambert Park. Both of these teams are coming off crucial wins and this weekend’s match could be a season-defining game for both of these sides. APIA defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 last weekend whilst Sydney slaughtered the North Shore Mariners 6-1.
Player to watch: Patrick Wood
This bloke is one to keep an eye on. The Sydney youngster scored a staggering four goals past the Mariners last week to bring his goal tally up to five for the season. APIA’s defence will need to be on their A game if they hope to contain this young gun.
Prediction: APIA Leichhardt 2 draw Sydney FC 2
Manly United vs Sydney Olympic
Friday 21st August 7:45pm @ Cromer Park
Manly United host Sydney Olympic this weekend and the home side will be desperate to finally put a win on the board and announce themselves as contenders this year. Manly suffered a defeat to Sydney United last weekend and this could be the round where they finally get going but their opponents won’t make it easy for them. Sydney Olympic recorded an important 2-1 win over Blacktown City in Round 3 and will be looking to keep their red hot form going this weekend.
Player to watch: Charles Loko-lingoy
Olympic snatched up Lokolingoy in the off-season and he has finally found his feet at his new club where he netted two goals past Blacktown to secure his team the win. We’ve seen what this guy can do in the NPL and he’ll be the key player in deciding this game.
Prediction: Sydney Olympic 3 def Manly United 1
Marconi Stallions vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday 22nd August 4pm @ Marconi Stadium
The battle for Western Sydney is on this weekend as former NSL heavyweights Marconi will host Western Sydney Wanderers as they look to continue their red hot form. The hosts secured a big win last week as they defeated current premiers Wollongong Wolves 1-0 and moved up to 5th place on the ladder. Their opponents however will be even more motivated to secure 3 points as they are still searching for their first win of the season after tasting defeat to APIA in Round 3.
Player to watch: Nenad Vekic
Vekic recorded his first clean sheet of the season last weekend which turned out to be crucial as it helped secure his side the win and the veteran goalkeeper will need to do the same against Western Sydney.
Prediction: Marconi 1 def Western Sydney Wanderers 0
Mt Druitt Town Rangers vs Sydney United 58
Saturday 22nd August 7pm @ Popondetta Park
We’ve got another Western Sydney clash this weekend as Mt Druitt take on Sydney United in what could be a crucial game for the hosts. Mt Druitt are yet to register a win this season and they will need to put some runs on the board soon if they want any hope of lifting silverware this season. Their opponents however are enjoying a solid start to the season with two wins and one loss and will be hoping to add to that win count this weekend.
Player to watch: Matthew Bilic
Bilic finally found his feet last weekend with his first goal of the season expect more of the same this weekend when his side take on a struggling Mt Druitt.
Prediction: Sydney United 3 def Mt Druitt 0
Wollongong Wolves vs North Shore Mariners
Sunday 23rd August 2:30pm @ Albert Butler Memorial Park
Wollongong suffered a heartbreaking loss to Marconi last weekend but they will be looking to bounce back to winning ways this weekend when they host the struggling North Shore Mariners. The newly promoted side have yet to register a win this season and the Wolves will look to capitalise on that as they look to go back to back this year.
Player to watch: Bul Juach
Juach struggled to find the back of the net last weekend against Marconi after an impressive brace against APIA and a match against the last placed Mariners is the perfect opportunity for him to re-discover that form.
Prediction: Wollongong Wolves 4 def North Shore Mariners 0
Rockdale City Suns vs Blacktown City
Sunday 23rd August 4pm @ Ilinden Sports Centre
Rockdale have been leading the pack this year and currently sit in 1st place with 7 points after recording two wins and one draw. They are one of three teams to remain undefeated after three rounds and they will be looking to improve upon that record when they play host to Blacktown City in the last match of Round 4. However, their opponents will be no pushovers as Blacktown are still searching for their first win of the season and an upset against the league leaders might just be the game to do it.
Player to watch: Charles Mendy
Blacktown are desperate to find their first win of the season and their leading goal scorer could be the one to get them over the line this weekend. Blacktown’s speedy forward managed two goals against Mt Druitt in Round 2 and he will need to rediscover that form this weekend if a potential upset is on the cards.
Prediction: Blacktown City 2 def Rockdale City Suns 1
