NPLW Round 4 Preview
Article: Jeremy Magan
Photo: Kai Moebus
Canberra Olympic FC vs Canberra Croatia FC | Saturday, 8th August – 3pm @ O’Connor Enclosed 1
In 2019, Canberra Olympic and Canberra Croatia wasn’t a blockbuster on the NPLW calendar, (the Deakin side easily winning both legs 7-0 and 6-1) but how much has changed in 2020! Olympic have turned their fate around with arguably the league’s best off-season of recruiting and have scored 10 goals in their last games. They will want a third win in a row before they have the BYE next weekend.
On the other hand, Canberra Croatia won their two first games by just one goal before having last weekend off. Nik Brozinic’s side, who were runners-up last season, have all intentions go one better this year and a win in O’Connor would be the best way for Grace Gill and co. to put the rest of the league on notice. After conceding three goals in Wagga, they will have to show more solidity defensively against Ashleigh Sykes, Nicole Begg, Emily Hoffman and the rest of the Blues armada.
My prediction Canberra Olympic 3-3 Canberra Croatia
Belconnen United FC vs Gungahlin United FC | Saturday, 8th August – 5pm @ Hawker Football Centre
Strap yourself in because Saturday evening we have one of the most highly-anticipated games of the 2020 season, between two teams that are yet to concede a goal. Belconnen scored a mind-blowing 17 goals in two games, and the champions are expected to be able to defend their crown come September. Ahmed Ugool’s side, despite losing some key players in off-season, is as dominant as ever. They will face its first real test this Saturday and will hope to reproduce last year’s successes (5-0, 4-0).
Gungahlin has won three from three and already disposed of contenders Canberra Olympic and Canberra United Academy. Diego Iglesias’ team is a well-oiled machine, with strength on every line, from goalkeeper Kailey Tonini to striker Elke Aitolu. The battle of the midfield, between De Marco, Miro and Lejins for the Gunners, and Thornton, Woodman and Forner for the Blue Devils will no doubt be one of the keys of the match. This game promises to be one of the best tactical duels of the season.
Predictions: Belconnen 3-2 Gungahlin
Monaro Panthers FC vs Woden Weston FC | Saturday, 8th August – 5.30pm @ Riverside Football Stadium
Riverside will be home to a cutthroat game on Saturday night, as Woden Weston visits the Monaro Panthers. The losing team will have their hopes of making the final four seriously compromised. Paul Townsley’s players resisted to Gungahlin last weekend for about an hour, before conceding four goals in 20 minutes. Their last game against Woden Weston was a draw in the last game on the season 2019 and it cost the Wanderers a spot in the finals. They also met in Riverside in Round 9 in 2019 NPLW season, handing Monaro a 5-0 loss, which was the last time Monaro lost at home.
Woden Weston enjoyed a last minute come back at home against Canberra United Academy last weekend, with two goals in the final three minutes by Sarah Whitfield and Alex McKenzie securing the Wanderers their first point in 2020. A win seems crucial now for Mark Boyd’s players, before a complicated home game against Belconnen next week.
Predictions: Monaro Panthers 1-2 Woden Weston
Canberra United Academy vs Wagga City Wanderers FC | Sunday, 9th August – 5.50pm @ Hawker Football Centre
Canberra United Academy has gone through every feeling this season, winning in Tuggeranong, losing to Gungahlin and drawing in Woden Weston. Game 4, home against Wagga City, is the perfect occasion to get three points again and to force their way back into the top four. The team was able to create many opportunities last weekend, despite scoring only twice, and will be eager to be more lethal in the box on Sunday. Conceding two goals in the last minutes is also obviously something the team will not want to live through again.
Wagga City is the only team yet to get a point this season, which seems harsh for a team playing good football and deserved a point against Canberra Croatia in Round 1. They could not get any point against CUA last season (0-4, 2-6) and will hope to turn the tables around this Sunday. Coach Sam Gray confessed he looks forward to face (and hope to get a result against) Scott O’Donnell, a coach he has done several coaching classes with!
Predictions: CUA 1-2 Wagga City Wanderers
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