- St George Saints U20 are the most out-of-form team in the NPL NSW U20, losing both of their last two matches by an aggregate score of 3 - 11.
- Sutherland Sharks U20 are mid-table but have lost only one of their last three NPL NSW U20 fixtures by a single goal.
- Sutherland Sharks' recent results include a 2 - 3 home defeat against NWS Spirit U20 and a 2 - 2 away draw against Sydney Olympic U20.
Sutherland Sharks can avoid Saints’ sinking ship
St George Saints' under-20s are on a shocking run of form, having lost both of their last two National Premier League NSW U20 matches by an aggregate scoreline of 3 - 11. A 2 - 6 home loss to their local rivals St George City U20 was followed by a 1 - 5 away loss to Wollongong Wolves U20.
St George Saints have one of the worst defensive records in the competition and head coach Raphael Marie has not been able to instil the high-tempo, front-foot, attacking philosophy that he believes in because the team has become overwhelmed by defensive mistakes. The Saints have not lacked individual talent in the shape of their forwards, but no player has caught the eye this season and they are in the bottom third of the table with around 15 - 17 points.
Sutherland Sharks' U20s have been inconsistent this term, but they are not as flaky as St George, mixing wins, draws and narrow defeats. Sutherland Sharks have avoided heavy collapses and David Perkovic's coaching staff have done a superb job of instilling an attack-minded and structured approach into the youth pathway.
Sutherland will need to be patient to outscore Saints
Sutherland are in the middle of the NSW U20 standings with around 19 - 23 points on the board and they head into this southern Sydney derby as narrow favourites at 2.02, while St George are 2.99 and the draw is 3.8. This fixture has a little extra spice in it as a derby and a chance for the clubs' scouts to see which of their young talents could feature in first-grade in the future.
There is a clear contrast between the playing styles of these two clubs, which should make for a fascinating tactical battle on Saturday. The Saints will try to outscore their opponents, but the Sharks are more structured and will try to control the game - unless they fall behind that is.
St George will have to go all out to win this game, but we like the Sharks' chances of avoiding defeat in what should be a high-scoring contest because they have been more resilient this season. It's close enough to call, however, so we are taking the 'Both teams to score' market at 1.35, which seems too high a price for a game that should feature many chances at both ends.