Article: Lachlan Roberts 
Photo: Michael Daniel Photography

Woden Weston vs Monaro Panthers | Saturday, 8th August – 3:45pm @ Melrose Synthetic 
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Round 4 kicks off at Melrose Synthetic as Woden Weston host Monaro Panthers in the only NPL1 match on Saturday afternoon. Both sides are currently sitting in the cellar of the NPL1 ladder, both winless with zero points to show for their first three matches this season. Woden Weston has undoubtedly struggled this year, conceding eight goals while failing to find the back of the net themselves. Last Saturday afternoon, they lost 2-0 to Tuggeranong United at home and the damage was done in the opening 10 minutes. Coach Ulisses da Silva's side will need to have a better start against the Panthers. 

Some would say that Monaro Panthers have been extremely unlucky to be sitting in seventh place on the ladder after the opening three rounds. The Queanbeyan-based side pushed Canberra Croatia and Tigers FC before conceding late in both matches before coming up against a strong Canberra Olympic side away from home. The Panthers fancied themselves as a top-four side this season, so if they are to have any chance of competing for the title, three points this weekend is mandatory. A big in for the side is new recruit Evan Alexandrow-Ridley, an experienced goalkeeper who returns home after a career in Europe. 

Tuggeranong United vs Belconnen United | Sunday, 9th August – 2:35pm @ Melrose Synthetic  
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It is the battle of the Uniteds, as Tuggeranong "hosts" Belconnen at Melrose Synthetic at the unusual kick-off time of 2:35pm. Due to the forecasted wet weather this weekend, Tuggeranong United decided to move from their home ground of Kambah 201 to the synthetic surface at Melrose. Tuggeranong comes into this match after a strong win over Woden Weston at the same venue last weekend, thanks to a double from young striker Harry Truman. Despite losing their opening two matches, Tuggeranong is just three points outside of the top-four, a spot they desperately crave. A win against Belconnen could prove that their final aspirations are not out of reach. 

On the other hand, Belconnen has started their 2020 campaign brightly, with two wins and one loss, which came at the hands of defending champions Gungahlin United last week. 17-year-old star Luca Florez has been influential for the Blue Devils, scoring in every game this season. They will be without the experience of Darren Bailey, who was sent off against the Gunners for a terrible challenge late in the game, so coach Paul Macor will be forced to bring a change into his backline. With the race for a top-four spot heating up, Belconnen needs three points to widen the gap on a chasing Tuggeranong side. 

Gungahlin United vs Tigers FC | Sunday, 9th August – 3pm @ AIS Grass Field 1 
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Gungahlin United host Tigers at AIS Grass Field on Sunday afternoon in a rematch of last year's grand final. United are sitting pretty on top of the NPL1 ladder with seven points to their name from a possible nine. They were challenged last week against Belconnen United but not even going down to 10-men could stop the Gunners juggernaut from rolling on. The loss of Lachie Griffiths, who is suspended this weekend, will be felt but one of Gungahlin's strengths is their depth, so coach Marcial Munoz will find someone to step into his place. Even with a man down last weekend, United constantly pushed forward, showing their cutthroat mentality so don't be surprised if there are plenty of goals on Sunday. 

Tigers FC are still licking their wounds after suffering their first loss of the season at the hands of a prolific Canberra Croatia side at Nijong Oval. Despite going down, the Tigers showed their grit by coming back from a goal down twice. Sam Whithear scored a spectacular goal to open his account for his new club, as the new-look forward line led by Mark Shields starts to click into gear. The Tigers are faced with an intimidating run home, as Gungahlin, Canberra Olympic and Belconnen United in the next month so Ryan Grogan's side has to show they are the real deal, starting with a win against the defending champions. Don't expect a similar bloodbath to last season's grand final, this one is going to be a close contest. 

Canberra Croatia FC vs Canberra Olympic | Sunday, 9th August – 3:15pm @ Deakin Stadium 
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Strap yourself in, because this is going to be one hell of a derby. The undefeated Canberra Croatia host Canberra Olympic who are looking for their third win on the trot. CCFC sensationally beat Tigers away from home on Sunday afternoon, with Aimilio Kista scoring a stunning hattrick, with all three of strikes deserving a nominating for Goal of the Season. Under Dean Ugrinic, the Deakin based side has shown their dogged determination, coming from goals down in Round 1 and 2 and they didn't let their heads drop after letting go of a lead twice last weekend. The side look like the real deal in 2020 and they would love to get a win against the old foe. 

In the space of four days last week, Canberra Olympic claimed two wins that saw the side surge to third place on the ladder, a mere point behind Canberra Croatia and Gungahlin United. Olympic calmly disposed of Monaro Panthers last weekend, as two of Olympic's front three got on the scoresheet, including a debut goal for Aisosa Ihegie. Robbie Cattanach expects a few of his injured troops to be ready for Sunday afternoon, which will bolster his youthful squad. As in the way of most derbies, form will go at the window as both sides throw the kitchen sink at each other. Should be an absolute ripper.