St George, who have climbed steadily in recent weeks, meet Central Coast at home. The Saints, like many clubs, have been hit with injuries to some senior players, particularly up front, resulting in the introduction of youth. But the return last week of Ryo Maekawa, absent two weeks ago, but who scored again on Sunday, will take some pressure off.
Central Coast, from all accounts, played well last Saturday against Parramatta Eagles but they feel that the rub of the green is just not going their way at the moment. Expect the hard work to pay off for Peter Preston’s side at some stage and with four home matches on the horizon, that change could come sooner rather than later.
Granville Rage v Spirit FC looks a corker on Saturday. Spirit recovered well after their loss to Northern Tigers but couldn’t quite get over the top of a tough Uni last weekend and they won’t find Granville Rage any easier. Third placed Rage lead sixth placed Spirit by just the two points in a tight top half dozen and a win by any team in the six can dramatically affect the standings. Both sides are full of experienced players so this will be a very tight one.
Dulwich Hill entertain FC Bossy in Saturday’s other fixture. Both teams lost last weekend and while Dulwich Hill have been struggling with numbers, which has affected their results, Bossy’s form has also slipped in recent weeks after an excellent start. It has been three weeks since Dully last won while Bossy have lost their past two. This is a good chance for either side to get back on the winning trail.
Two matches complete the round on Sunday. Leaders Parramatta Eagles head north to Mills Park to meet Northern Tigers. Save Spirit FC, the Eagles have swept all before them this season and sit comfortably four points clear at the top. But no game is easy and the Tigers have proven that they can come up with the big result. They will be without the suspended first choice keeper in Stuart Page though so the Tigers defence will need to be on their guard against the best attack in the league.
Lastly, Mount Druitt Town Rangers meet Macarthur Rams at Popondetta Park. The Rams gained only their second victory last weekend although the win did lift them above their opponents this week who have now lost their past two after two good wins. Neither side can really afford to drop points here with the bottom of the table tightening over the past fortnight so a real battle is on the cards.
Some big games then, but the question remains, who is going to stop Parramatta Eagles?
NSW Super League Leading Goalscorers
6 Michael Simmonds (Northern Tigers)
5 Shayne Ardel (Parramatta Eagles), Pat Carpuccio (Granville Rage), Ryo Maekawa (St George), Christian Soares (Sydney University)
4 Ben Gough (Spirit FC), Paul Davies (Northern Tigers), Daniel Fogarty (Macarthur Rams), Jay Lucas (Dulwich Hill), Sam Messam (Macarthur Rams)
Source Peter Rowney
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