- Heidelberg United have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five games (W4, D2, L2 at home).
- Oakleigh Cannons are unbeaten in their last five, winning three and drawing two (W2, D1 away).
- Oakleigh Cannons are undefeated away in NPL Victoria 2026 (W5, D3 from eight).
Title race duo clash in NPL Victoria 2026
Oakleigh Cannons are the bookies' favourites to take the full points at Heidelberg United on Friday (2.25), although John Anastasiadis' hosts are available at a tempting 2.8, with the draw priced at 3.34.
Cannons are having the best season of their history to date, sitting top of the NPL Victoria 2026 table on 37 points after 17 games, while 4th place Heidelberg are on 30 points and have also been in solid form in 2026.
Heidelberg's last three results are a 4-2 home win over Dandenong Thunder SC, a 4-1 away defeat to Dandenong City and a 0-1 home loss to Preston Lions. Meanwhile, Oakleigh come into this clash unbeaten in their last five after a 2-2 draw at home to St Albans Saints and a 3-1 win over Melbourne City FC Youth.
Head-to-head has Heidelberg on the back foot
With both teams in good form and neither having much to fear about this match, the slight edge has to go to Oakleigh. The visitors are unbeaten on the road in NPL Victoria 2026, and look more likely to hold firm at 90 minutes.
Heidelberg have won four, drawn two and lost just two of their eight home matches in NPL Victoria 2026 so far, conceding just ten goals in the process. However, the hosts have won just one and lost one of their last two at home, while Oakleigh have won two and drawn one of their last three on the road.
These two teams met just three months ago and Heidelberg ran out 3-2 winners as visitors, making this a tight head-to-head record with one Heidelberg win and one draw in the last two meetings.
Tactical contrast can lead to goals
Oakleigh are the more pragmatic and efficient side, with Chris Taylor's men preferring to play vertical soccer, fast breaks and getting the ball forward quickly and directly into the final third.
Heidelberg are more possession-based and play with a high-energy game plan that sees them try to dominate possession for long periods and then counter-press with intensity when they turn the ball over.
It will be interesting to see how these contrasting game plans play out, with the midfield battle and transition moments likely to be key. As such, both of these sides should get plenty of chances to score on Friday and that's our main selection in this game.
The derby atmosphere and the fact that both clubs are in the mix for the title and finals adds a bit of a 'do or die' feel to the contest, so we're expecting the visitors to play with a bit of extra intensity as they try to edge what should be a close and competitive match.
