- Sutherland Shire Sharks have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 NPL New South Wales 2026 fixtures.
- Blacktown City FC have won 1, drawn 2 and lost 2 of their last 5 NPL New South Wales 2026 matches, leaving them winless in their last 3.
Sutherland’s new identity faces a test
Sutherland's 3-2 away win over Blacktown City FC three months ago in NPL New South Wales 2026 has been and gone, but the Sharks are expected to carry the momentum from that win into their weekend matchup on Saturday. The visitors are in indifferent form, registering 1 win, 2 draws and 2 defeats across their last 5 fixtures, and are winless in 3.
Sutherland's recent upturn in form has coincided with the appointment of David Perkovic as head coach, who's made a clear impact on the team's style of play. The Sharks have scored 1 and 2 goals in their last 2 matches, including a 1-0 win over Sydney United and a 2-1 win away to St George FC.
Sutherland's attack-oriented philosophy has been evident in their matches over the past few weeks, with the Sharks using their flexibility in the front three and overlapping full backs to push up, while their ability to transition into the attack quickly is also key.
Back Blacktown to grind it out
Blacktown are an old school NPL side with structured defensive lines, a willingness to press at times and a flair for a fast-paced counter-attack. They set the tempo early in matches, look to exploit set-piece opportunities, and press to try and win possession back high up the pitch.
The difference here is that Blacktown's approach is well established while Sutherland have a new identity under Perkovic, and their willingness to attack and overplay in wide areas should really test Blacktown's compact and collective defensive structure.
Sutherland’s momentum should see them through
Sutherland currently sit 6th in the NPL New South Wales 2026 table with 26 points from 18 games, while Blacktown are 15th with 15 points from the same 18 matches. Blacktown are a tough nut to crack however, having drawn each of their last 2 away games and they may have an advantage in the head-to-head record, winning 3 of the last 5 meetings between the sides compared to Sutherland's 2, but we're backing the Sharks to get the 3 points on Saturday.
Sutherland are on a 3-match winning streak, they have the home advantage and are the slight favourites at 2.2, while Blacktown are 2.73. We're going to back the Sharks to edge an entertaining game with 1.5 in the both teams to score market and over 2.5 goals priced at 1.6. Both teams are more attack-minded than defensive, so a high-scoring match is expected.
