Green Gully vs Oakleigh Cannons - Victoria NPL

When Green Gully and Oakleigh Cannons clash at the home ground on May 1, 2026, the stakes extend well beyond a single result — this is a Victoria NPL fixture that carries real weight for both clubs. O'Neill made five changes for Celtic's midweek win at St Johnstone as he rested some key players ahead of Sunday's clash.

Green Gully head into the contest positioned 13th in the Victoria NPL standings, while Oakleigh Cannons arrive sitting 1st. Green Gully are mired in a difficult campaign, WLLDD over their last five and a paltry win rate of 15.38% painting a bleak picture. Few sides travel as well as the visitors, with W in their last five and a win rate of 61.54% marking them out as a class apart. Where Green Gully have leaned on defensive discipline, Oakleigh Cannons have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. It’s safe to say that Paige Bueckers is putting up elite all-around numbers in her second WNBA season for the Dallas Wings, averaging over 20 points and nearly six assists a night.

Stylistically, this is a compelling matchup. Green Gully favour a patient, possession-based approach, whereas Oakleigh Cannons are at their most dangerous when allowed to hit quickly on the counter. Man Utd are pushing higher and working harder to press and counter-press the opposition, especially to win the ball back quickly after a loss of possession.

Game-changers are scattered across both line-ups, and the contest may well be decided by which side's match-winners deliver on the day. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. The Everton forward would suit Michael Carrick’s plans because he can carry the ball through pressure, create chances from wide areas and operate behind a striker.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. Despite the home advantage enjoyed by Green Gully, the weight of evidence favours Oakleigh Cannons — a 1-2 away win is the call. More than just three points is on the line at the home ground — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. It is understood that his next move is most likely to take him abroad - and potentially to the Premier League.