Article: Lachlan Roberts 
Photo: AJ Nitz Images

Belconnen United vs Woden Weston | Saturday, 25th July – 5:30pm @ AIS Grass Field 2 
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Round 2 kicks off at AIS Grass Field 2, where Belconnen United face Woden Weston under lights on Saturday night. Belconnen got off to the perfect start last weekend, defeating Canberra Oympic away from home thanks to a goal and an assist by young gun Luca Florez. Their young squad, which had five 17-year-olds in their team, was led superbly by the experienced Dustin Wells and new recruits Darren Bailey and Kofi Danning. The Blue Devils proved that, under the tutelage of coach Paul Macor, they will be a serious title contender in 2020. United won't be able to play at their usual home venue of McKellar Park this season, so whether that plays a toll in 2020 remains to be seen. 

Meanwhile, Woden Weston will be still licking their wounds after they were comprehensively beaten by reigning champions Gungahlin United last Sunday afternoon. Despite a dogged first half performance which saw the Wanderers sit back and absorb the pressure, the wheels fell off in the second half as they conceded four goals. Jaidon Selden's bright performance off the bench showed the side can be a threat going forward, but they will find it difficult to break down a well-oiled United defence. I expect it will be another long 90 minutes for the Wanderers. 

Monaro Panthers vs Tigers FC | Saturday, 25th July – 5:30pm @ Riverside Football Stadium 
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It is the battle of the big cats at Riverside Football Stadium on Saturday night as the Monaro Panthers host Tigers FC in what is expected to be a fascinating encounter. The Panthers were well and truly competitive against competition powerhouse Canberra Croatia last weekend and were extremely unlucky not to walk away with a share of the points. The Panthers have the self belief that they are a top four side this season so they will need to prove it on Saturday before the shortened season slips through their hands. 

A confident Tigers outfit will make the trek to Queanbeyan after they accounted for Tuggeranong United 4-0 at Nijong Oval last Sunday. Under new coach Ryan Grogan, the side were in total control from the first whistle with Julian Borgna grabbing a double in the space of a couple of minutes in his first game back after a break from the sport. Their grand final thrashing in 2019 is now a distance memory and the side looks well on their way to vie for that top spot again this season. I predict the Tigers will account for the Panthers 3-1. 

Tuggeranong United vs Canberra Olympic  | Sunday, 26th July – 3pm @ Kambah 201
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It might not seem like a crucial matchup at Kambah 201 on Sunday afternoon, but as both sides look for their first points of the 2020 NPL1 season, this match is pivotal. If Olympic and Tuggeranong want to play finals football in 2020, they need to grab points this weekend. United are hurting after losing 4-0 to Tigers and will be without the experience of Mark Gayer, after he picked up a red card in Cooma. Mitch Stevens' youthful side need to step up if they are to have any chance of causing an upset. 

After suffering a 2-1 loss to Belconnen United at home last weekend, Canberra Olympic will look to bounce back and will expect nothing less than three points. Olympic beat Tuggeranong both times in 2019 (2-1, 3-1) and will look to continue that trend. Both Michael Southam and Jay Kelly were sorely missed as both left the field with injuries last weekend so coach Robbie Cattanach will be hoping to have them back at his disposal this weekend. Another note to make is Aisosa Ihegie will face his old side so he should expect a "warm" welcome back to Tuggeranong. I expect Olympic to win 3-0. 

Canberra Croatia FC vs Gungahlin United | Sunday, 19th July – 3:15pm @ Deakin Stadium 
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Russ Gibbs has predicted this match could be the match of the 2020 NPL1 season so clear your schedule on Sunday afternoon, as Canberra Croatia host Gungahlin United at Deakin Stadium. A late strike from Jason Ugrinic won all three points last weekend against the Panthers after an highly entertaining 90 minutes of football at Riverside Stadium. Dean Ugrinic's side looked slick in attack and solid in defence and will be a side that will vie for top spot this season. 

What can be said about Gungahlin United that hasn't been said already? United were just in second gear and still comfortably accounted for Woden Weston 5-0, hogging the ball for the majority of the 90 minutes. Josh Gulevski fitted in seamlessly in a profilifc United front three. What is scary about Gungahlin United is their firepower off the bench, as Sam Habtemariam, Philippe Bernabo-Madrid and Thomas Milicevic bide their time and wait for their moment. Should be a cracker game. Final prediction: Gungahlin United 3 - Canberra Croatia 2.