Match Preview: Bentleigh Greens vs Heidelberg United

Tas Mavridis | @tasmavridis97

Bentleigh take on Heidelberg on Friday night at Kingston Heath with the Greens title hopes hanging in the balance.

The Greens will look to claim some revenge over Heidelberg following a dramatic Dockerty Cup final defeat just a few weeks ago.

The Bergers won the game on penalties after Ken Athiu’s long range strike cancelled out Dimi Hatzimouratis’ goal.

With Heidelberg also winning the previous league meeting 3-0 back in round 11 , the Greens will need a turn of fortunes to keep the title race alive.

Bentleigh’s last competitive fixture was a 3-1 win over Avondale at Knights stadium, however a spirited 2-0 loss against A-League powerhouse Melbourne City should give the Greens plenty of confidence going into the match.

Heidelberg sit one spot above the Greens only on goal difference with one game in hand.

With Heidelberg, they have the best defensive record in the league, only conceding 16 goals so far, this season, the Greens attackers will have to be at their predatory best to make their chances count.

Combined with the prowess of Ken Athiu, who has slotted 13 goals in the league, the Greens will have their hands full trying to keep the Heidelberg danger man quiet.

Friday’s game starts a run of three successive derbies to finish off the regular season with South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons still to come.