Penultimate weekend of the season | Preliminary Finals Preview

Week 3 of the National Premier Leagues Finals Series, proudly presented by Boral, will be played this weekend.

Words by Victoria Malavazos

In the NPL, Adelaide Comets will take on MetroStars after losing to Campbelltown City last weekend. Campbelltown secured their spot in the Grand Final after beating Comets 2-0. Following their 2-1 defeat over Adelaide Olympic, MetroStars will face a challenge against Comets. MetroStars midfielder Fabian Barbiero will return after a two-week suspension due to a red card issued against West Adelaide in the last round of the season. After playing the first half of this season’s home games at Jack Smith Park, Comets returned home to SA Athletics Stadium, where they remained unbeaten and scored 18 goals, conceding a mere two. The game kicks off at 2.30pm at SA Athletics Stadium and is not to be missed!

Comets MetroStars
Adelaide Comets v MetroStars | SA Athletics Stadium | Sat, 2.30pm

In State League 1, Sturt Lions will take on Cumberland United in a preliminary final that doubles as a promotion playoff. The winner of this game will not only have a spot in the Grand Final against Modbury Jets, however, they will also join them in the NPL for the 2020 season. Cumberland, who beat Western Strikers 2-1, will be fighting for their spot in the Grand Final, and a position in the NPL. This is Sturt Lions second chance at a Grand Final and promotion spot, after losing Modbury Jets 2-1 on aggregate. The game will kick-off at 2.30pm at West Beach Parks Football Centre and will also be live-streamed on the FFSA Facebook page. Stay tuned to find out who will be joining Modbury Jets in the Grand Final and in the NPL next season.

Sturt Lions Cumberland United
Sturt Lions v Cumberland United | West Beach Parks Football Centre | Sat, 2.30pm

In State League 2, Gawler will play Vipers for a position in the Grand Final against Adelaide Hills and the chance to join them in State League 1. Vipers, who beat Cobras 2-0, secured their spot in the semi-final against Gawler, who lost to Adelaide Hills. The winner of Vipers and Gawler will join Adelaide Hills in State League 1.

In the Women’s National Premier League, Salisbury Inter continue their debut appearance in a WNPLSA Finals Series with a do or die clash with Minor Premiers and current champions, Adelaide City.

The league's surprise package overcame Adelaide Uni last week with a 2-1 win, to put them just 90 minutes away from a shock appearance at the big dance next weekend. But standing in their way though is a team that has shipped 14 goals past them in the league across three matches this season. Adelaide City, after their 6-1 hammering of West Adelaide in the Cup Final a fortnight ago, fell to a 1-0 defeat to the same side last weekend. 

This has David vs Goliath written all over it, with Adelaide City hungry for a third consecutive championship. But Inter will not be fazed, and will certainly enjoy the ride after their best season in the Women's top flight. The winner will face West Adelaide next Saturday afternoon.

Salisbury Inter
Adelaide City v Salisbury Inter | VALO Football Centre | Fri, 8.15pm

The National Premier Leagues Grand Finals will take place on Saturday 14 September at Coopers Stadium.