- Box Hill have scored more than two goals per-game in the NPLW in 2026.
- Box Hill have four to five consecutive positive results in league play.
- Box Hill defeated Preston Lions 2-1 in their earlier league meeting this season.
Bookies favour Box Hill to get the better of the Lions
Box Hill United have played some scintillating football for most of the season, and will be up for their return fixture with struggling Preston Lions this weekend, knowing a win would be huge in their push for the NPL Victoria Women (NPLW) title.
Bobby Zdravkovski's side are flying high with 22 points from 11 games, while Preston are stuck in the bottom third with 10 from as many games.
The bookmakers have it right to make Box Hill the strong favourites to win at 1.57, with Preston available at 4.41 and the draw at 4.2. However, there is plenty of value to be found in the goal markets where the overs are favourited at 1.37 in the 2.5 goals line.
Stick to Box Hill to win
The head-to-head history and respective league positions of these two clubs in 2026 suggests the visitors will win this clash, but it could be a game where there are chances at both ends as Preston will be looking to snatch a result to help them climb away from the lower third.
Box Hill are a ball-dominated side who look to control the pace of the game with high-tempo passing and movement. Their recent unbeaten run in the league demonstrates that they are a team on a roll.
Preston are more direct and their ability to play wide areas, as well as their pressing game, which should see them disrupt Box Hill and counter at pace, will make for an interesting tactical match-up.
Lions' coach Daniel Foden will have his side working hard on their defensive structure and set-piece routines, while Zdravkovski's team are a possession-first team that create many chances.
Goals are likely in Reservoir
The home side have allowed more goals than they have scored in 2026 and that is why they are where they are in the table. They will need to play at their best defensively, starting with the goalie and working through the whole team, to stop Box Hill from scoring on Sunday.
Box Hill have an array of midfielders and attackers that score goals, making them a difficult team to block off and shut down. Kiara Bercelli leads the way as their creative spark and top scorer, but they have others that can chip in and make life tough for Preston.
Preston's main goal threat is Valentine Pursey and she will have to be on form if the Lions are to trouble Box Hill's defence. The Lions have been inconsistent and it is difficult to pick a side because of that, but the away side have been rolling along nicely and we'll take them to get the win this weekend by either 2-0 or 2-1.
