- In their last 10 matches, Stirling Macedonia have won 4, drawn 2 and lost 4.
- Perth RedStar are the form team, having won 7, drawn 2 and lost just 1 of their last 10 in all competitions.
- Stirling have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 1 of their last 5, a more reliable measure of form than the 10-match record.
Stirling vs RedStar is an early NPL Western Australia classic
Perth RedStar FC enter Saturday's NPL Western Australia clash with Stirling Macedonia FC as the slight favourites, at 2.39, with the hosts coming in at 2.44 and the draw at 3.52.
The two teams have contrasting playing styles and those odds are probably about right, with the away side possessing the sharper edge in form and RedStar a bit better away, although both teams have a tendency to be up and down.
Ago Mujic's side set up in a 4-2-3-1 that can morph into a 4-3-3 system and are all about possession, width and aggressive counter-pressing. They want to win the ball back quickly and run straight into the channels at their opponents, so they'll keep the tempo hot from the first press.
This could be a high-scoring affair because Callum Salmon's RedStar team play in a more subdued fashion, with a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system that likes to circulate possession and press in situational areas of the pitch. They aren't against getting the ball wide but don't prioritise width as much as Stirling do, so controlling the midfield battle could be key here.
RedStar are worth backing against the hosts
Stirling's home form across all competitions is 2 wins and 3 losses in their last 5, but they've scored 10 goals in their last 5 home matches, so there's reason to think they can score.
The away form of RedStar across all competitions is 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss over the last 5, which is pretty good, and shows that they travel well.
Stirling's last 10 games have seen them go 4-2-4 (W-D-L) and they have lacked real consistency, so it would be a surprise if they lost this. RedStar are 7-2-1 over the same number of matches and should be able to avoid defeat in this one, so RedStar or Draw Double Chance is the safer bet.
Stirling have played 3 games since last weekend, a 0-1 home defeat to Sorrento, a 0-3 win away at Olympic Kingsway and then a 1-1 draw away to Perth Glory Youth, so we know the range of scores that they are capable of. Backing the Over 2.5 goals and BTTS: Yes markets at 1.46 and 1.41 respectively may be a good idea.
