- Devonport City are unbeaten in four home games, winning each one
- Clarence Zebras have failed to win in their last two trips to play Devonport City Strikers (D1, L1)
- Devonport City have won four of their last five games, including their last three
High-flying Devonport can maintain their pace
Tom Ballantyne's Devonport City are third in NPL Tasmania 2026 with 27 points from ten games, while Mark Astley's Clarence Zebras are fifth with 18 from 11.
The Strikers are flying and they are heavy favourites here at 1.18 for a reason, while the visitors will be underdogs at 9.85.
Clarence have won three of their five away games in NPL Tasmania 2026, but they have lost two, so there is a real chance of an upset on Saturday.
It's important to note that the Zebras have won their most recent away game and we think they can get close to the hosts at Valley Road, but it's unlikely to be enough for them to claim the points.
Hosts have a high-pressing game to dictate tempo
Astley's squad are littered with youthful talent and he will no doubt look to develop the players in wide areas and on the counter-attack.
Clarence have won three and lost two of their last five, beating South East United 2-1 at home and losing 1-3 to South Hobart on their own patch.
Devonport have recent wins, beating Launceston City 3-1 away from home before following it up with a 1-0 home win over Ulverstone.
Sides set up differently
Ballantyne has a bit more all-round quality to his squad and he sets it up in a very adaptable way, but they like to pressure their opponents high up the pitch and can really make the game a mess at times.
That's not really Clarence's bag, they are more of a patient, possession-based team, so the battle between the Strikers' pressing and the Zebras' patience could be key.
But the home side have won all four of their home games, scoring six, while the away side have conceded five goals in five away trips.
With NPL Tasmania looking to expand and relegation looming, the pressure is on them to take points off one of the league's powerhouses and we don't think they can do it.
Over 2.5 goals seems like a good bet at 1.11, as does Both teams to score - Yes at 1.37. We are taking Devonport to extend their unbeaten home run by recording another convincing win.
