TeleChoice Premier League Round 13 Preview

On Saturday evening, Sutherland Sharks will be looking to keep a firm hold of top-spot when they host struggling Penrith-Nepean United.
The Sharks rallied for a late equaliser against A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers in Round 12 ? a thunderbolt effort by Pedj Bojic saving their blushes ? meanwhile Penrith-Nepean?s impressive start to the season has been forgotten, namely after the two most recent defeats ? consecutively against A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers (0-7) and Wollongong FC (0-1).
The Sharks hold a one-point lead over second-placed Manly United FC.
Phil Moss? Manly United will have their work cut-out against Blacktown City Demons on Sunday afternoon.
The Demons have been struggling with an endless list of injured players, though Ken Schembri?s men certainly raised their level against Sydney United last weekend.
The Demons will look towards Jessie Pinto out of midfield and Ken Chun on the right to force the issue at home, as the likes of Bruno Salas, Brian Vanega and Adam Biddle ? to name a few ? are unavailable.
Manly United will need to quickly bounce back from their home loss against Bankstown City. The trip to Gabbie Stadium though promises to be a real test for Robbie Cattanach & Co. on Sunday.
Bankstown City?s hopes of turning their poor run of results this season took a big turn for the good with a last gasp win at Manly United.
Peter Tsekenis? men will be eager to find the consistency that has been lacking this season as A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers head to Jensen Park.
Andre Gumprecht?s arrival at Jensen has made an immediate impact, and the Lions? faithful will be in full voice this weekend as Bankstown aims to make a final charge towards the top-four.
A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt will be still reeling from the fact they squandered a 2-1 lead with only minutes remaining against the Sharks in Round 12.
The Tigers have managed to play some good football this season, though have often failed to back-up their impressive performances.
With new recruit, Jamie McMaster already finding a taste for goals with his first Premier League appearance and an impressive Robbie Younis in good touch, the Bankstown City rear-guard will need to be alert and ready.
Wollongong FC has been the quiet achiever this season with some good performances ? and results ? to-date. The Wolves sit in equal fourth-spot on the League ladder, testament to the belief bestowed upon his players by coach John Turner.
Osagie Ederaro and Ilija Prenzoski again will carry the hopes of Wollongong, though the latter was required to leave the field against Penrith-Nepean last weekend through injury.
Sydney Olympic ? the pre-season favourite ? has turned their slow start to the season around with a good run of results.
Recent wins against Sydney United and West Sydney Berries have lifted confidence amongst another side carrying injuries to key players ? Milan Blagojevic has managed to ?re-jig? his tactics and perform with the players he has available.
The last match of Round 13 pits West Sydney Berries against Macarthur Rams ? the two ?new? teams of the TeleChoice Premier League.
Both sides need points in their brave bids to compete for a second-half of the season dash towards the top-half of the table, though the Berries look the more equipped at this point.
Scott Baillie?s side has played some great football in recent weeks, despite the loss against local rivals Sydney Olympic last weekend.
The Rams have been more convincing away from home this season ? the side is still searching for their first home goal of the campaign ? standing the Rams in good stead for an upset at Sydney Olympic Athletic Centre on Sunday.
-By Joseph Carlucci