Last week was a bitter pill to swallow. A 4-2 loss to a Green Gully side that was, in fairness, a deserving winner on the day.
It all seemed rather bleak immediately following the final whistle, a sense of melancholy amongst Heidelberg supporters.
But as always with the mighty Warriors, there’s always a renewed sense of optimism and confidence the next week.
And this week, it’s a big one.
George Katsakis on HUFC TV Thursday night
Heidelberg will host the Melbourne Knights at the Village on Saturday night at 7pm. It’s set to be a massive match, possibly the biggest of the entire NPL weekend.
And as if there wasn’t enough at stake, it’s a must win for the ‘Bergers. They are coming off two underwhelming results and need their first three points of 2019. For the Knights, it’s about consolidating their impressive start.
A 2-1 win away to Oakleigh and a 4-3 thriller at Knights Stadium against Altona has set the foundation for what could be a breakout year for the Knights.
Hamish Watson, AJ Inia and Tomi Uskok will be the dangermen for the visiting side. Watson netted the match-winning brace against the Cannons whilst Uskok has patrolled the midfield excellently.
Inia looms as the most lethal of the three, with his skill and speed causing the Bergers many problems last season at Knights Stadium. Furthermore, his game-winning goal against the Magic last week will have him full of confidence.
Atilla Ofli will make his first return to the Village since joining the Knights during the transfer window. After witnessing his pace and aggression in the yellow and black last season, Warriors fans will be hoping that he is nullified by our back four come Saturday.
But for how good the Knights have been, let us not discount the reigning champions.
Yes, the loss to Green Gully was a tough one and yes, the second half against Pascoe Vale was a slight let-down and perhaps cost them full points.
But, as they say – form is temporary and class is permanent. At their best, the ‘Bergers and George Katsakis can take anyone down and that’ll be exactly what they plan to do in a bid to make early inroads in 2019.
It’ll be a feast for the eyes on Saturday night and one with a few scuffles, one would suggest given the notoriously aggressive nature of both these fierce rivals.
This match will be live on HUFC TV www.hufc.com.au/hufc-tv
