The following are previews with betting tips for both fixtures within the opening round of the finals for the 2020 NPL NSW season.
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Rockdale City Suns FC vs Sydney Olympic FC7:00PM/ SAT 17 OCT @ Ilinden Sports Centre |
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Last RD- It was simply incredible scenes at home for Rocdkale, as they vibrantly secured 1st place for the first time in 50 years. This was courtesy of their 2-1 victory over the North Shore Mariners. And even more impressively, on the campaign, they won 7 times and drew 3 games, meaning that they only lost once over the course of 11 matches! They finished on 24 points, with 20 goals scored and only 9 conceded (insert staring eyes emoji here). Suffice to say they were very happy with all that went down this past regular season. North Shore’s goal came via Caspers, but they countered that with strikes of their own through Gauthier and Urosevski. And they received no cautions throughout the entire match either.
For Sydney, they finished the regular campaign in 4th spot on the ladder. They lost just twice throughout the season, as they won 6 games and drew on 3 occasions. They ended the regular season on 21 competition points. As they also had a for and against of 17 and 10 respectively, Whilst their defensive numbers are impressive, it will be their attack that will be key for them in this clash. It has the extremely hard job of trying to break down the stringy Rockdale defence. Their latest affair saw them come to a 1-1 draw with the Mt Druitt Town Rangers. That game was played at Poppondetta Park NO.1. Olympic FC produced their goal via Lokoli Ngoy. And the Rangers strike was produced by Stewart. While Sydney’s only yellow was handed out to Whiteside.
Key Facts- From their past 5 clashes, Rockdale have been victorious in 4 of them and drawn once. Good omens for them headed into this big game. As for Sydney Olympic, from their past 5 clashes, they’ve won twice, drawn twice and lost once. And when Rockdale and Sydney Olympic last faced off in RD 5 of this season, it ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
Key Player- Alec Urosevski. He’s scored 10 goals this season and is blasting Rockdale’s attack to new heights. And Rockdale might seem like the easy favourites here, but looking deeper into it, that’s not exactly the case. Their opponents conceded just 10 goals this season. Good for under 1 a game. So players like himself will really be crucial for Rockdale, as he’ll have to step up to the plate and lead the way home attack-wise. If he gets good service and is able to bang in a goal or two, then you can expect Rockdale to win this one. But if not, then the match becomes very much so up for grabs.
Betting Tip- Bet on Rockdale to be victorious at $2.00 (bet365)
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Woolongong Wolves FC vs Sydney United 58 FC3:00PM/ SUN 18 OCT @ Albert Butler Memorial Park |
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Last RD- The Wolves ended up finishing 2nd, as they won 8 times and lost on 3 occasions this year. They were however actually = 1st, as they finished the season on 24 points, the same as that of what 1st placed Rockdale finished on. Throughout their campaign, they scored 24 goals and leaked 14. Woolongong once again proving to be a very entertaining team to watch! In their latest game at Albert Butler Memorial Park, they wiped the floor with Manly United, as they won 5 goals to 2. They got 3X goals via Beattie and 2X goals to Bingham, as they tore it up in attack. Whilst Manly’s goals came via Balderson and Pandurevic. The Wolves were also fairly restless in this one as they conceded a total of 5 yellows throughout the match. They were handed to James, Kairies, McDonald, Okada and Price.
Sydney United ended the season in 3rd spot. From 11 games played, they won 7, drew once and lost 3. Their for and against was 26 and 20 respectively. They sure knew/ still do, how to score a goal or two this season! And they concluded their regular season on 22 points. At Lambert Park last round, they killed off APIA Leichardt wth ease, 4 goals to 1. Clut, Khoury and Sim all got on the score-sheet for the victors. Whilst there was also a Payne OG in there as well. Payne also somewhat ironically scored the only goal of the game for APIA as well. They received no cards throughout the match. Sydney United definitely have the potential to upset their higher ranked opponents here, just watch!
Key Facts- From the Wolves past 5 games, they’ve been victorious in 4 out of 5. They have the form headed into this one! And for Sydney United, they’ve won 3 of 5. With the other two being a draw and a defeat. Whilst when these two teams last competitively played each other, it was in RD5 of this season. And it ended in a comprehensive 3-1 victory to Sydney!
Key Player- Peter Simonoski. He scored 11 of his sides 26 goals this season. Nearly good for half! He is the key to them causing an upset over Woolongong. He has the potential to turn this game on its head, with his potent goal-scoring abilities. The Wolves will get their chances, that’s a given. But when it comes to his sides turn, he’ll be responsible for a lot of it. How he fares will go a long way to dictating as to whether or not Sydney United actually have a chance in this one. He absolutely needs to be in his best form for this one, without a doubt!
Betting Tip- Bet on the Wolves to win at $1.90 (bet365)