- North Eastern Metro Stars are unbeaten in their last 5 NPL South Australia 2026 games (W4, D1).
- Sturt Lions have won just 2 and lost 4 of their 6 away games in NPL South Australia 2026.
Top v 10th - Metro Stars have the momentum
North Eastern Metro Stars are having a fantastic season at the top of the NPL South Australia 2026 table with 28 points from 13 matches, whilst their opponents this Saturday, Sturt Lions, have had a tough campaign sitting 10th with just 15 points from the same number of games.
Robbie Saraceno has built his Metro Stars team around a possession-first, attacking game, with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, focusing on wide build up and a No.10 player providing an outlet to the central striker up top. Sturt Lions are a completely different team, Lino Fusco has set up his side in a compact 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 which relies on their players being compact and maintaining their defensive shape, then exploiting space on the counter with direct, fast-paced play.
This game could be defined by the contrast of each team's tactical setup, with Metro Stars' patient and possession-based style against Sturt Lions' counter-attacking style. The hosts have the advantage however, as they have won all of the last 3 head-to-head clashes. In NPL South Australia 2026 they beat Sturt Lions 1-0 away two months ago, and in each of the 3 meetings prior, Metro Stars have had the edge.
Metro Stars are the favourites
The odds for this game are set at 1.3 for the favourites, and 7.48 for the underdogs, which is a pretty clear sign that the bookies expect the hosts to have all the advantage in this clash.
With Metro Stars' strong home record (W3, D2, L1), and their recent winning streak, it's hard to go against them claiming the 3 points here. Sturt Lions have struggled away, despite scoring 11 times in their 6 games away, whilst Metro Stars have only conceded 5 goals in their 6 home matches.
Sturt’s away woes
Sturt Lions have lost all 3 of their last away games, and their only win in the last 5 NPL South Australia 2026 matches came at home against FK Beograd. In their most recent game, they were thumped 4-1 away to Adelaide City, whilst Metro Stars have been in fantastic form at home with a 4-0 win against Campbelltown City, followed by 1-0 and 2-1 victories away to Croydon Kings and FK Beograd respectively.
We're going for a 2-0 win for Metro Stars here, as they have the firepower to get ahead on the scoresheet and have been very solid at the back at home this season. The bookies are offering 1.54 for BTTS here, which is a lot of value if you think both teams will go for it. However, given Metro Stars' recent defensive displays at home, we're expecting them to keep it tight and pick off the visitors.
