- North Eastern Metro Stars have won their last 2 home games in all competitions.
- West Adelaide are on a run of 5 matches without a win (D3, L2) in all competitions.
- MetroStars have kept their high-tempo, possession-first approach.
MetroStars mean business
North Eastern Metro Stars have been the team to beat in NPL South Australia 2026, having accumulated 37 points from their 18 games so far, 18 more than West Adelaide in 10th with 19 points. Saturday's hosts are on a mixed but dangerous run of 3 wins and 2 defeats in their last 5 games in all competitions, but they have hit top gear on home turf, winning their last 2 at home.
MetroStars boss Adam van Dommele has kept the identity of the team very much intact, maintaining the high tempo, attacking, possession-first style which has won MetroStars so many plaudits in recent seasons. Their back four aren't afraid to push forward, but they are a serious team at the other end, having conceded only 6 goals in 8 home league games.
MetroStars have won two of their last three games against West Adelaide, drawing the other, and West Adelaide are without a win in their last 3 at this ground. On paper, this is a classic 'possession vs counter' battle, with MetroStars looking to break lines and arrive in numbers, while West Adelaide will sit compact, defend in numbers, look to clog the lines and nick chances on the counter or from set pieces.
West Adelaide’s road struggles
The visitors have a much more pragmatic approach to the game, but they haven't got enough of a goal threat to really worry MetroStars. West Adelaide have won just 2 of their 9 away games in NPL South Australia 2026, drawing 2 and losing 5.
Their form has suffered lately, and their most recent matches have given us a clear view of their limitations. West Adelaide have played out 2 0-0 draws and a 1-0 loss in their last 3, while MetroStars have played an electrifying 9-0 win at Para Hills Knights, a 3-1 home win against West Torrens Birkalla and a 1-0 defeat at the very good Playford City Patriots.
MetroStars to dominate
The odds don't really reflect the gulf in class between these two sides with MetroStars as short as 1.23 and West Adelaide 9.15 with the draw priced at 5.55. However, I'll back the hosts to have enough quality to break through a West Adelaide low block.
West Adelaide have conceded 17 goals in 9 away league games, an average of 1.89 per game on the road, so I think that the hosts will dominate possession and create enough opportunities to score a couple. I think Over 2.5 goals at 1.31 and BTTS - Yes at 1.64 are both solid options, but I'll go with the latter.
MetroStars to win and BTTS - Yes looks a decent combo.
