Friday, 26 July 2013 1:56 PM
By George Kouroumalis
South Melbourne FC take on Dandenong Thunder this Sunday in what is expected to be an intriguing affair between both sides sitting just outside of the top five.
Both sides are coming off relatively unconvincing wins in the FFV State Knockout Cup midweek, with a very sluggish South coming from two goals down to defeat Preston 4-2 at Lakeside Stadium, while Dandenong were also tested by lower opposition, winning their fixture on penalties against Werribee.
South will go into the match without suspended pair Peter Gavalas and former Dandenong midfielder Iqi Jawadi, both of whom were sent off in last Sunday’s defeat at home to Bentleigh. However in more positive news South will have new signings Luke Hopper, Jonathan Munoz and Christian Maynard available, with the latter certain to replace the suspended Gavlas in goals.
South is also expected to have Shaun Kelly return from a hamstring injury, joining Brad Norton and former Dandenong duo Bryan Bran and Tim Mala in a formidable back four.
In the only meeting between the club’s this season, South Melbourne were soundly defeated at George Andrews Reserve by 3 goals to nil, with new South signing Luke Hopper finding the back of the net for Dandenong.
Kick-off at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday July 28th is at 3pm.