TeleChoice Premier League Round 13 Preview

The White Eagles rode their luck for large spells in a dour encounter against Sydney Tigers last weekend, though demonstrated their improving self-belief as they converted their best chance of the match before grinding out the result. Again, Milorad Simonovic will be expected to pull the strings in midfield, meanwhile Almir Dizdaric and Jay Lucas are expected to improve their partnership in the attacking third with a strong display.
Wollongong Community FC commences their assault on the second-half of the season with high hopes of turning their rotten fortunes around. Wollongong coach Glen Fontana will hope to unveil new signings James Vaughan (defender) and Lachlan Cahill (midfield). The side has played some positive football, though the results have not been forthcoming. The task at hand at Bonnyrigg Sports Ground though will be a huge proposition for WCFC, however a win will provide the side the confidence required to make a real shot of their season.
Over at Cook Park in St Marys, Penrith-Nepean United plays host to West Sydney Berries in a must win match for both sides. Penrith-Nepean has proven a difficult proposition for their more fancied opponents, though their so called ?lesser? adversaries have been a difficult obstacle for Ian Gillan?s men.
West Sydney Berries occupy second-last spot on the League ladder, though a ?three-pointer? for John Calleja?s men will draw the Berries level with their Round 13 opponent. Dimitri Zakilas? speed out of midfield will be key for the visitors as will the tough tackling Jack Sobczyck in defence. In a potentially season defining match for both clubs, both sides will require their experienced players to step-up and be counted on Saturday night.
At Gabbie Stadium on Saturday night, Blacktown City Demons have an immense chance to build on last weekend?s fine display in the defeat of League leader Sydney United when they meet a battered Sutherland Sharks. The Sharks suffered their second loss from their last three matches at home in Round 12, a run coach Robbie Stanton will need to address in this second part of the season. Neil Jablonski will be out through suspension, though Nick Stavroulakis will be expected to start after sitting out last weekend?s match against Manly United.
The Demons were immense against Sydney United, and coach Ken Schembri has managed to get the most out of his youthful line-up. Again, Chris Bedzo and Joel Chianese will carry much expectation in the attacking third, as will new signing Adam Kwasnik who made an exceptional debut in Round 12 with a goal and an assist for impressive performer Matt Lewis. A win for the Demons will certainly make a huge statement in their bid for finals series football in 2009.
On Sunday at Cromer Park, second meets third as Manly United FC and Marconi Stallions meet in arguably the match of the round. Both sides have been in scintillating form over the past month with the Cromer Park side recording impressive wins against Sydney United and Sutherland Sharks; both matches on the road. Manly boss Phil Moss is starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel ? in-terms of his long lasting injury list ? as Robbie Cattanach and Craig Midgley have returned to the playing field. Giosue Sama?s re-acquaintance with finding the back of the net will be of vital importance in this encounter, as will the solid defensive duo Matthew Bingley and Spencer Prior.
The Stallions come off a one-week break following the washed-out Round 12 matches, though Lee Sterrey?s side will be hoping to maintain their continual development as a unit, one that has seen the side score seven-goals in the last two matches. In attack the strike-force has been phenomenal; ensuring the Prior-Bingley duo will have a busy afternoon in the heart of the Manly defence.
As both sides are well organised in the attacking and defensive lines, the first side to take command of the midfield will be the one to hold the upper-hand in this contest.
At Leichhardt Oval, a battle between two former NSL giants will be the match of the Round for the traditionalist as both Sydney Tigers and Sydney Olympic look to make right of two equally disappointing seasons to-date.
The Tigers will be backing up from their midweek showing against A-League side Sydney FC, though Franco Parisi & Co. will need to start finding goals if their second-half of the season is to prove fruitful. Robbie Younis has shown signs of a return to last season?s form, though more is required out of midfield via the feet of Jamie McMaster and Michael Hawrysiuk. Youngster Jason Trifiro has made the most of his chances so far, and the former Marconi Stallions player looks favoured to get the nod for another start this weekend.
Sydney Olympic?s fortunes have not been too pleasant for the players and supporters as the side sits in seventh-spot heading into Round 13 with a match in hand. The Blues were favourites for the title this season, though their defensive frailties have proven their undoing. In a period where both sides have struggled for form, this match poses the perfect opportunity for a change in fortunes for both former NSL sides.
In the final match of the Round, Sydney United face a difficult trip to Jensen Park to face Bankstown City. The Reds have been uncontainable this season, though two consecutive losses has the pressure on the League leader who will be without David Zdrilic following his two yellow cards last weekend.
Bankstown City made huge progress in their last home match against Blacktown City Demons (4-2 win), and home support will push the side against Sydney United. Coach Peter Tsekenis will be glad to see George Nohra closing in on a return to the starting line-up, meanwhile Phillip Makrys may well be a possibility for a spot on the bench following his long injury lay-off.
An exciting encounter is expected on Sunday, where the first goal of the match will go a long way in determining the winner.
* Washed out Round 12 matches will be re-scheduled shortly. Please visit WEB Site www.footballnsw.com.au for updates.

-By Mark Stavroulakis