This weekend could start to determine some of the teams advancing to the National League Championship and the champion of the Central League.

Wellington Olympic has had an outstanding season, and if they secure a victory in their match against Miramar Rangers this Saturday, they will be crowned Central League champions two games before the league finishes. If they draw the match, they won’t clinch the title this weekend, although it would be tough for them to lose it. Their closest challengers, Napier City Rovers and Western Suburbs, would need to win all their remaining matches while Wellington Olympic would need to lose both of their last games.

The Greeks have only lost one match, against Western Suburbs, in the second week of the season. Since then, they have won 13 consecutive games (a club record since the National League began). Additionally, they boast a goal difference of +51, with 67 goals scored and 16 conceded. Given this form, it’s hard to imagine Wellington Olympic losing all their remaining games, so they could very well be crowned champions again this weekend.

Important matches are also on the agenda in the Southern League. Cashmere Technical will look to secure a home win against UC Football to stay at the top of the standings. However, the game attracting the most attention is Coastal Spirit vs. Christchurch United. Both teams are fighting for a spot in the National League Championship, and currently, Coastal Spirit is one point ahead of their rivals. This match could be crucial as the league progresses. In the last three matches after this weekend, Coastal Spirit will face two away games (Dunedin City Royals and UC Football) and one home game (FC Twenty 11). Christchurch United, on the other hand, will have two home games (Selwyn United and Cashmere Technical) and one away game (Nelson Suburbs).

In the Northern League, although Auckland City FC has gained a temporary five-point lead, the race is still tight. Eastern Suburbs has played one fewer game than Birkenhead United and the Navy Blues. If they win, they will close the gap to just two points from the top spot. However, one of their upcoming opponents is none other than Western Springs, who also has one game in hand and is vying for a spot in the National League Championship.

It will undoubtedly be an action-packed weekend with key outcomes that could shape the final stages of the National League. If you can’t support your team in person, don’t miss the action—watch the match live and free on FIFA+.

Article added: Thursday 08 August 2024