Devonport Strikers can use their game against bottom-side Launceston United away at Birch Avenue tomorrow as a final warm-up for their Australia Cup clash with Gold Coast Knights in Queensland next Wednesday, 9 August 2023.
The Strikers should be untroubled in downing Launceston United and the only thing they will need to worry about is possible injuries.
Coach Tom Ballantyne will undoubtedly use the game to fine-tune his tactics for the Queensland game, but he may also decide to rest key players.
Devonport will extend their lead at the top of the NPL Tasmania standings if they win and if second-placed Glenorchy Knights lose away to fourth-placed Launceston City on Saturday.
Knights are likely to be without star import Daniel Sagno, who suffered what looked like a serious knee injury last week in the 5-0 win over Launceston United.
City did not play and have had an extra week’s rest going into this game.
City can be a hot and cold side and the Knights cannot afford to be complacent.
Kingborough Lions United have the chance to move into fourth spot if City lose and if they can beat second-last Riverside Olympic at home at Lightwood Park on Saturday.
The Lions may still be cock-a-hoop after downing South Hobart last Sunday but they must be at their best to deny the visitors even a point.
Clarence Zebras will be under new coach Alex Tatnell when they entertain South Hobart at Wentworth Park on Saturday.
The ‘new coach syndrome’ could be in effect and Clarence Zebras should be doubly dangerous opponents for South Hobart, who will still be smarting after their loss at home to the Lions last Sunday.
South were sloppy in that game and they need to tighten their defence and sharpen their attack if they are to come away with a win.
Clarence Zebras have everything to play for and they can certainly win this contest if they start well and take the chances that come their way.
In Xuan Cappellino, Riley Dillon and Ryley Wishart they have goalscorers who could sink the visitors.
South Hobart’s defence is notoriously porous and they will have to be at their best to stop the trio mentioned above.
NPL Tasmania Saturday 5 August 2023 schedule
Clarence zebras v South Hobart (Wentworth Park, 2.30pm)
Kingborough Lions United v Riverside Olympic (Lightwood Park, 2.30pm)
Launceston United v Devonport Strikers (Birch Avenue, 3.45pm)
Launceston City v Glenorchy Knights (Buckby Motors Park, 4.45pm)
NPL Tasmania (As at 30 July 2023)
|
TEAM |
P |
W |
D |
L |
F |
A |
Pts |
|
Devonport Strikers |
15 |
13 |
1 |
1 |
49 |
13 |
40 |
|
Glenorchy Knights |
15 |
11 |
0 |
4 |
39 |
13 |
33 |
|
South Hobart |
15 |
9 |
2 |
4 |
39 |
24 |
29 |
|
Launceston City |
14 |
7 |
1 |
6 |
21 |
22 |
22 |
|
Kingborough Lions |
15 |
7 |
0 |
8 |
44 |
28 |
21 |
|
Clarence Zebras |
15 |
6 |
2 |
7 |
39 |
35 |
20 |
|
Riverside Olympic |
14 |
3 |
0 |
11 |
13 |
53 |
9 |
|
Launceston United |
15 |
0 |
0 |
15 |
10 |
66 |
0 |
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