Olympic FC host an improved SWQ Thunder in the live stream match of PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Round 5 as several teams seek to prove a point.
Brisbane Roar FC v Western Pride FC
Saturday, 28 March / Perry Park / 3:30PM
Brisbane Roar Youth have had plenty of opportunity for rest following the conclusion of the Foxtel National Youth League and will be eager to make their first major impression on the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland season.
Last weekend’s washout will have done little to help steel Young Roar for Saturday afternoon’s visit of the in-form Western Pride, who only sit second behind Moreton Bay United on goal difference.
The Ipswich side have been the surprise of the competition so far and will be bursting with confidence of last week’s momentous 2-1 home win over reigning champions Palm Beach SC.
Palm Beach SC v Redlands United FC
Saturday, 28 March / Mallawa Complex / 5:00PM
One of the weekend’s most intriguing contests beckons on the Gold Coast as Palm Beach SC and Redlands United battle for form.
Following four points from two matches, Sharks tasted defeat for the first time in their title defence last weekend as Karl Dodd got one over his old side with Western Pride.
The double-winners will be keen to get back on track but will have to do so without suspended defender Kristian Rees and against desperate opposition.
Redlands United’s winless run grew in a disappointing 3-1 home defeat to Northern Fury but possess enough weapons to threaten the hosts.
Northern Fury FC v Sunshine Coast FC
Saturday, 28 March / Townsville Sports Reserve / 7:00PM
Sunshine Coast’s fortunes have dipped dramatically in recent weeks and they face a stern task to reverse that form against Northern Fury.
Fury responded to consecutive defeats in fine fashion last round by putting three past Redlands United as Michael Eisenhut’s third of the campaign helped restore confidence among Ian Ferguson’s men.
The home team will need to be a watchful against a Fire outfit keen to erase any mental scars left by the 7-0 defeat in their last away fixture.
Paul Arnison’s side can draw inspiration from the club’s last visit to Townsville when they triumphed 3-2.
FNQ FC Heat v Brisbane Strikers FC
Saturday, 28 March / Barlow Park / 7:30PM
Despite being just three matches into their respective seasons, Saturday’s night clash in Cairns between FNQ Heat and Brisbane Strikers promises to be instructive for future finals jostling.
Heat breezed past Brisbane City 6-3 in Round 5 and will again look to hattrick hero Jamie Carroll to lead the line, while defender James Price returns from suspension as last year’s Semi-Finals set about building on their best performance of 2015.
Starting well will be key to silencing the parochial home crowd for Strikers as they seek to ensure last weekend’s washout doesn’t interfere with their unbeaten momentum.
Olympic FC v South West Queensland Thunder FC
Sunday, 29 March / Goodwin Park / 6:00pm
Lightning poetically interrupted SWQ Thunder’s Round 5 fixture against Moreton Bay United as they held the league-leaders scoreless midway through the first half.
The Toowoomba team will hope to create a similar storm when they visit Olympic FC in Brisbane, targeting points against the two-time Grand Finalists.
Top four is again the aim for Olympic this term and victory will be essential against Thunder after belatedly notching their first three points away Sunshine Coast.
Attacker Rhys Meredith could return for the hosts after being injured in the warm-up of that match.
Moreton Bay United FC v Brisbane City FC
Sunday, 29 March / Wolter Park / 6:00PM
PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland’s top scorers take on the league’s leakiest defence at Wolter Park, where Moreton Bay United put seven past Sunshine Coast two weeks ago.
Brisbane City must improve from shipping six for the second time this season, though defeat to FNQ Heat was not without positives as Kai Smith doubled his tally while talented young winger Ryan Roderick netted his first senior goal as the Newmarket club found attacking impetus.
City’s task of unearthing form will be no easier against the first-placed Jets, who continue to top the table despite a last start washout.
For further news, match reports, video highlights and more from Football Queensland, visit www.nplqld.com.au