NSW Premier League Round 18 Preview

The White Eagles, smarting from the narrow loss at Bankstown City last weekend, will be eager to return to the winner?s list and further strengthen their hold of top-spot. Brian Brown?s men conceded a late goal against the fast improving Lions, though were good value over the 90? minutes of football. The visit of Blacktown City will prove a true test, despite the Seven Hills side too coming off a loss ? at the hands of South Coast Wolves.
Blacktown City?s attacking third has been in great touch with Tolgay Ozbey figuring amongst the goals consistently, meanwhile the performances out of midfield via the likes of Luke Roodenburg and Joel Chianese too have been impressive. Concerns do surround the defence though, as the side has conceded five goals in their last three League matches. A win for Aytek Genc?s men will also lift the side to within one-point of Bonnyrigg, making for an interesting finale to the regular season.
At Marconi Stadium, the Stallions will be out to put a stop to their recent dip in form when a confident Bankstown City visits Bossley Park. The Stallions were put to the sword against Sydney United last weekend, returning from Edensor Park with a 2-0 loss. Lee Sterrey?s men have proven to carry a lot of belief across the squad from the start of the season, and will require a quick return to top form to halt their current run. A positive light to come out from the Stallions camp is the fine form of youngster Giorgio Speranza. The Stallions left-sided defender has been in terrific form this season, illustrated by his recent signing with Sydney FC?s National Youth League squad for the upcoming season.
The Lions on the other hand will be eager to add a further three-points to their tally and keep their hopes of playing finals football this season alive. Peter Tsekenis? side has managed to claw their way back into contention and face the Stallions perhaps in the best moment of the season, considering the side?s recent run of results. Once again, Robbie Mileski?s presence will prove vital for the Lions, as will that of George Nohra in midfield. The Lions midfielder, who has been troubled by injury throughout the season, has found some good form in recent weeks, typified by his match winning goal against the White Eagles last weekend.
Sutherland Sharks return to Seymour Shaw following a rather disappointing trip to Belmore last weekend. The side lost against A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers, losing Neil Jablonski in the process following the midfielder?s two yellow cards. It isn?t panic stations for coach Robbie Stanton; the Sharks have been one of the most consistent performers over the past two-months, though the flatness of last weekend?s performance will require Sutherland to prepare the clash against Sydney United as best as possible. A positive for the Sharks will be the availability of Nick Stavroulakis. The feisty midfielder suffered a broken nose last weekend, though seems a certain starter against the Reds.
The Reds will be buzzing after the defeat of Marconi Stallions. David Zdrilic had the luxury of fielding Elsid Barkhousir from the start, a timely return for the striker who has spent the best part of the last two-months on the sidelines. Luka Glavas? return to the scorer?s list too will please Zdrilic, as the Reds remain in the hunt for Premiership success in 2010.
At Belmore Sports Ground, Sydney Olympic and A.P.I.A.-Leichhardt Tigers meet in a must win match for both sides. The Tigers have looked the goods for a final surge towards the play-offs, and the performance against Sutherland Sharks last weekend suggests the Leichhardt side is a certain chance to play finals football. A win for the Tigers this week ? Round 14 catch-up against Manly United FC on Tuesday ? will serve as a springboard for the team.
Sydney Olympic?s situation has not been pleasant, though the side has certainly shown signs of improvement as they move away from the foot of the table. New coach Steve O?Connor has already added his football mentality to the group, as the Blues aim to finish the season on a high.
West Sydney Berries and Rockdale City Suns meet at the Sydney Olympic Athletic Centre. The Berries enjoyed a weekend off as their clash against Manly United FC was rescheduled to a later date, quite possibly a blessing in disguise for Steve Karavatakis? team. The Berries have not enjoyed a good run this season, sitting in bottom spot on the ladder at present. The visiting Suns will prove to be a difficult opponent to overcome. The newly promoted side has been a ?nuisance? to all adversaries in 2010, due largely to the well-organised approach implemented by Mile Todorovski. The two sides drew earlier on in the season when they met in Rockdale, and a tight encounter is expected again this time around.
In the final match of the round, South Coast Wolves host Manly United FC at WIN Stadium. Fresh from the emphatic 3-2 defeat of Blacktown City FC in Round 17, the Wolves will hope to give their home supporters something to cheer about on Sunday with a win. The side has failed to deliver the same results at home, as those obtained on the road, though there is no question this side is more than capable of getting it right this weekend.
Manly United FC?s season has been a giant roller coaster ride, not helped by the number of matches that have been rescheduled due to the weather conditions over the past month. Coach Craig Midgley will be asking his big name players to step-up in the run home to the season?s end, with the main objective to finish as far from the bottom of the league ladder as possible.
-By Joseph Carlucci