There should be at least one thrashing this weekend

Photo:  Noah Mies will be playing his 101st NPL game [PlessPix] 

At last, we have a big NPL Tasmania game on a Sunday.

Hooray!

That’s how it should be.

It’s a good way to promote the game and should attract a decent attendance.

South Hobart v Clarence Zebras (South Hobart Oval, Sunday, 2pm)

These sides met in the Summer Cup and Clarence Zebras led 3-0 in the first half before falling flat on their faces and losing 5-3.

South Hobart beat Kingborough Lions United 2-1 in the opening round of the NPL last week, but it could have been a draw.

Clarence Zebras drew 1-1 away with reigning champions Devonport Strikers, which was a real feather in their cap.

It all points to a close game on Sunday, and it should, indeed, be an intriguing contest.

South Hobart’s Jayden Hey and Jaden Fidra are in contention for a starting berth, but Gus Higgins is doubtful because of illness.

“They did well to get a point at Devonport and they looked good,” said South Hobart coach, Ken Morton.

“Their centre-forward, Xuan Cappellino, looked tidy and he struck his goal very well.”

Riverside Olympic v Kingborough Lions United (Saturday, 2.30pm at Windsor Park)

This will be a test for the Lions and an indication of how their season may go.

They did enough last week to draw with South Hobart but lost 2-1 and they must win this one to get their season off to a good start.

Noah Mies may at last be hitting form and playing in his home town of Launceston may inspire him to new heights.

Riverside’s home-ground advantage could swing things their way.

Glenorchy Knights v Launceston City (Saturday, 4.30pm at KGV Park)

This game will be a test for the Knights, and a difficult one.

“City look impressive from what I’ve seen of them so far this year and they have some real quality in their best eleven,” said Knights coach, James Sherman.

“There’s some areas we feel we can take advantage and hopefully that will allow us to have some joy.

“But, it’s going to be a grind and we’ll need to be at our best and have everyone all on.”

Devonport Strikers v Launceston United (Saturday, 4.30pm at Valley Road)

There can surely be only one winner and that’s the home side, Devonport Strikers.

They’ll be keen to bounce back after last weekend’s hiccup when they were held to a 1-1 draw by visitors Clarence Zebras.

Launceston United were poor against Glenorchy Knights last week.

They lost 2-0, but it could and should have been more.

Knights had 34 shots at goal and Launceston United just one, and that one was off-target.

Those statistics indicate this could be a bloodbath.

Devonport's Ali Dulleh and Roberto Garrido should be prominent marksmen.