- SD Raiders have won one, drawn three and lost one of their last five league games.
- Rockdale have won two, drawn one and lost two of their last five.
Well-matched sides should serve up an entertaining clash
Rockdale Ilinden FC currently sit in fifth position in the NPL New South Wales 2026 table after taking 29 points from their 18 games so far. Paul Dee's team have won five and lost four at home this season, indicating that they're generally a force to be reckoned with at the Ilinden Sports Centre but hardly invincible.
Dee is a patient, possession-based coach who's tactical blueprint is based around continuity and consistency, as opposed to reactive changes from match-to-match. His team have a well-structured 4-2-3-1 shape and they're willing to sit and press high up the field to suffocate opponents. However, they have conceded 15 times on home turf this season, an average of 1.67 goals per game, and may well be troubled by an in-form SD Raiders FC on Sunday.
Raiders are 11th in the NPL NSW, with 20 points from 17 games, and have struggled to get going in their first ever season in the top flight. Nonetheless, Goran Ljuboja's side have shown grit and determination in recent weeks, winning one, drawing three and losing just one of their last five.
They've also won two, drawn two and lost three from seven away games in the NPL NSW 2026 this term, so they can be erratic but have enough to hold their own on the road.
Back a goal-fest between two positive teams
Rockdale are the clear favourites here at 1.64, while the visitors are 4.27 outsiders. It's true that Rockdale are in a better position in the table, are playing at home and beat Raiders 2-1 in this fixture three months ago.
Nonetheless, the value is in the goals market and not the match result. Over 2.5 goals is our selection at 1.49, which matches up well with both teams' open, attacking style of play and their recent scoring form.
Rockdale's methodical approach against Ljuboja's energetic, high-tempo style should be an interesting tactical clash and there should be plenty of action at both ends on Sunday.
