- Preston Lions have won their last 2 matches, while Dandenong City have lost their last 2.
- Preston Lions are currently 3rd in the NPL Victoria 2026, Dandenong City are 11th
- Preston Lions have lost only 2 of their 5 home matches, while Dandenong City have won only 1 of their 5 away matches.
A true tactical battle at the bottom of the table
Both Preston Lions and Dandenong City are facing pressure from above this season with points deductions leaving both clubs with work to do if they are to stay in the NPL Victoria 2026. Preston Lions are currently 3rd in the table with 20 points from 11 matches, a decent return in an extremely competitive division. Dandenong are 11th with just 12 points from 11 games, a much poorer return for a club who are expected to be battling at the wrong end of the standings again.
Zoran Markovski has instilled a pragmatic approach upon the club, favouring a defensive structure and a transition game which is lethal on the counter. Preston have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 2 of their 5 games at home, conceding just 6 goals across those 5 fixtures. Dandenong City are having no such luck, with 2 wins and 3 defeats from their last 5 games, but both of those defeats have come in the last 2 matches, failing to score in either.
Nick Tolios has a lot of work to do if Dandenong are to improve their league position, but they have an excellent work ethic and an attacking style of play which should ensure they are always in the mix at this level. They play with energy and high tempo, pressing high up the field and looking to overload the wide areas.
Preston to edge out a close contest
These 2 clubs have contrasting playing styles, with Preston looking to lock down the defence and hit their opponents on the break. Dandenong are a lot more open, with a high energy pressing game and a desire to overwhelm teams. This match will be a tactical chess match, with Preston wanting a cagey match and Dandenong looking to make things open and fluid. Both teams to score - Yes is 1.67 and looks like a solid bet here.
Dandenong City have failed to win their last 2 away games against Preston Lions and they haven’t been able to find the right formula to cause an upset. Preston have won their last 2, so I am leaning towards the home team to claim a 2-1 victory here.
The last match between these 2 sides at this venue finished 1-1, with Preston Lions winning 1 and drawing 2 of their last 3 meetings with Dandenong City.
