- Avondale FC are the form team in the NPL Victoria 2026 with four wins from their last five.
- Dandenong Thunder SC have lost their last three and failed to win on their last two visits to Avondale FC.
Avalanche of goals anticipated on Saturday
Two contrasting teams will clash at Latrobe Valley Recreation Reserve on Saturday when Avondale FC host Dandenong Thunder SC in a top to bottom clash between third and 13th.
Avondale FC are flying into this fixture on the back of a three-game winning streak that has seen them score an average of 3.38 goals a game, which is no surprise when you consider the tactics they have adopted.
The manager has instilled a play forward at every opportunity and a possession-based approach in the opening weeks of the season which has been tailored to accommodate the quality of their marquee signings.
Wingers provide the service, but striker Bruno Fornaroli, who is arguably the best number nine in the state, gets the majority of the chances. When he is the target man for the wide players to hit on the front foot, Avondale have been very difficult to stop.
Dandenong Thunder SC are a completely different kettle of fish, they are a compact, reactive team that like to sit back and absorb pressure before trying to release their attacking talent on the break.
The manager isn't shy of setting up pragmatically, but the underlying quality of his team is evident in the fact that they have lost six of their eight away games.
They have, however, won only two of those eight and have lost six, which makes them clear outsiders here at 9.5 to Avondale, who are 1.22 to win the match.
Wade Dekker is the team's most exciting attacking player and is the man that will drive their counter attacks on the wing, while Ali Sulemani is the gritty ball-winner in midfield.
Avondale are very strong at home in the NPL Victoria 2026, winning six, drawing one and losing just once of their eight games in the Latrobe Valley.
With 31 points from 16 matches, they are third in the table, while Dandenong Thunder are 13th with 12 points.
Three months ago, Avondale beat Dandenong Thunder 1-0 away from home in this fixture and given the disparity in form, league position and attack quality, we expect them to take all three points here.
There is a massive gap in the odds for over 2.5 goals at 1.33 and the stats don't back up that number as an unders bet either, so we will take the over and expect an open match that suits the hosts.
