NSW Premier League Round 3 Preview

APIA Leichhardt Tigers v Bonnyrigg White Eagles, Friday 13^th, 8:00 pm Lambert Park
Last Week:
APIA Leichhardt Tigers 0 Marconi Stallions 1
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 3 Sutherland Sharks 0
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers will be searching for their first points of the season when high-flying Bonnyrigg White Eagles visit Lambert Park on Friday evening.
The Tigers have shown some positive signs in their opening two matches of the season, with coach John Turner?s touch slowly starting to show. APIA-Leichhardt conceded late against the Stallions last weekend, though should have grabbed a share of the spoils with a late penalty.
The White Eagles will provide a stern test as Brian Brown?s men have started the season in exceptional form. Two wins from two matches, including a very impressive home win over Sutherland Sharks, have the spirits of the White Eagles and their supporters high. New striker Robbie Younis has been in great touch, netting five times over the opening two matches. The striker will make his first return to Lambert Park since leaving the Tigers at the end of last season, and he will no doubt like to get one over his former teammates with more goals in this Round 3 fixture.
Blacktown Spartans v Sydney Olympic, Sunday 14^th, 7:00 pm Blacktown Football Park
Last Week:
Blacktown Spartans 3 Parramatta FC 0
Sydney United 2 Sydney Olympic 1
Newly promoted Blacktown Spartans will still be flying high following their first Premier League win last weekend, though Ben de Haan?s men will need to focus from the opening whistle on Saturday evening as champions Sydney Olympic visit Blacktown.
The Spartans proved they are not in the top flight just to make up numbers with a very positive display against the Eagles last weekend, and de Haan will be again after another solid display across the park. Defensively, the Spartans improved immensely following the first up match against Marconi, meanwhile Christopher Gomez showed his worth with a fine double in Round 2.
Sydney Olympic on the other hand will still be burning after the narrow loss at Sydney United. The Blues did little wrong in the encounter, though saw their one-goal lead overturned inside the first-half. Coach Peter Tsekenis will welcome Peter Triantis back to the lineup following his one match suspension, meanwhile the positive performances of new signings Marton Vass and Blaz Dejanvoic last weekend stand the Blues in good stead to bounce back to winning ways this weekend.
South Coast Wolves v Rockdale City Suns, Saturday 14^th, 7:00 pm John Crehan Park
Last Week:
South Coast Wolves 2 Manly United FC 0
Rockdale City Suns 3 Blacktown City FC 4
Goals are expected in Wollongong on Saturday evening as South Coast Wolves and Rockdale City Suns lock horns. The Wolves have averaged two goals a game from their first two outings, and an impressive first-half against Manly United FC last weekend has the hopes of the Wolves? supporters nice and high for 2012.
Sasho Petrovski got his season up and running with a goal against the Northern Beaches side, meanwhile Peter Simonovski and Mark Picciolini have also shown their ability in front of goal.
Defensively, coach Trevor Morgan would have been much happier with the Manly United performance ? his side proved strong and steady, meanwhile goalkeeper Daniel Collison has shown his fine talents with some great performances already.
The visiting Suns found the net three times against Blacktown City in Round 2, though it wasn?t enough to even salvage a point. Coach Wally Savor has recruited some talented players this season, and already the likes of Sash Tirovski have shown just how good the Suns can be.
As confessed by Savor after both matches to-date, lapses in concentration have proven his side?s undoing, and the Suns will be aiming to remain focused for the full 90? minutes this weekend as they search for their first points of the campaign.
Sutherland Sharks v Manly United FC, Saturday 14^th, 7:00 pm Seymour Shaw Park
Last Week:
Bonnyrigg White Eagles 3 Sutherland Sharks 0
South Coast Wolves 2 Manly United FC 0
At Seymour Shaw, the Sharks will be aiming to get their confidence back on track following the heavy loss at Bonnyrigg in Round 2. The Sharks have always proven a difficult proposition for visiting sides to Seymour Shaw, and Panny Nikas & Co. will have every intention of sending Craig Midgley?s Northern Beaches side home with nothing to show.
Sharks? coach Robbie Stanton will have to lift his side following the flat performance against the White Eagles and he will be looking at his chargers to push forward and dominate ball possession out of midfield.
Manly United FC?s trip to the South Coast proved an unfruitful one, though the side did improve in the second 45? minutes of the Round 2 match. Michael Daly, Scott Balderson and Matthew Sim all led the charge against the Wolves, creating a number of chances without reward. Although the task at hand is a big one away to the Sharks, Craig Midgley?s men will be hopeful of sneaking a goal and pressuring the Sharks.
Blacktown City FC v Sydney United 58 FC, Sunday 14^th, 3:00 pm Lily Homes
Last Week:
Rockdale City Suns 3 Blacktown City FC 4
Sydney United 58 FC 2 Sydney Olympic 1
Lily Homes plays host to another blockbuster between two title contenders this season. Former Champions Blacktown City FC meet last season?s runner-up Sydney United, in a match that promises action aplenty on Sunday afternoon.
Blacktown City FC scored a morale boosting 4-3 win away against Rockdale City in Round 2, illustrating the belief and camaraderie amongst the playing group. Much excitement has surrounded new Japanese signing Ryuji Miyazawa ? the attack-minded player has been instrumental for his side, already proving a hit amongst supporters. Blacktown City supporters are also thrilled with the return of Daniel Bragg to the club, and the youngster has already shown signs of what he is capable of.
Sydney United overcame Sydney Olympic?s challenge last week, and Jean-Paul De Marigny?s men are certainly up there for a shot at the title this season. De Marigny will need to make do without the services of energetic midfielder Steve Hayes due to suspension, though the array of talent across the park does provide the coach with an endless list of players to choose from.
In arguably the match of the round, the side to settle in midfield first will take control of this encounter.
Parramatta FC v Marconi Stallions, Sunday 14^th, 3:00 pm Melita Stadium
Last Week:
Blacktown Spartans 3 Parramatta FC 0
APIA-Leichhardt Tigers 0 Marconi Stallions 1
Parramatta FC have a mammoth task ahead of them in their search for points this weekend with the visit of Marconi Stallions. The Eagles have come off successive losses in their opening two matches, and the Stallions test will certainly be a big challenge.
Lee Sterrey?s men have created chances in their two outings thus far, though some poor decision making, with some equally poor finishing, have the side still searching for their first goal of the season.
Marconi Stallions? start to the campaign has been the total opposite, with the side leading the way at the top of the table and playing some good attacking football. The addition of Daniel Severino to the squad has added fantasy to the side?s attacking raids. Severino?s ability to play the ?killer? pass adds an element that has been missing at Bossley Park in recent seasons, meanwhile his set-piece deliveries need no introduction. The wonder strike at Lambert Park last weekend is already a contender for goal of the season.
Marconi certainly start this match as favourites, though the experience of Eagles? boss Lee Sterrey could play a nasty trick on the League leaders.
-By Joseph Carlucci