The finals race ratchets up another notch this weekend in Round 18 of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland.
Redlands United FC v Western Pride FC
Friday, July 22 | 7:00PM
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City
Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29PJjVO
Redlands are seeking to put an end to a three match losing streak when they kick-off the round at home against Pride on the bayside.
Considered early-season Premiership contenders, Redlands form woes have seen them drop out of the top four and they now find themselves in danger of missing the finals unless they can turn it around.
They will fancy their chances against a Pride outfit sitting second from bottom on the table and with just two away wins to their credit this season.
However, the Ipswich club have also proved a tough nut to crack at times in 2016 – drawing Jets, Olympic and Young Roar.
With their finals hopes all but dashed this campaign, Pride could prove more unpredictable than usual as they start cast an eye to next season and possibly tinker with their formula.
Brisbane Roar FC Youth v FNQ FC Heat
Saturday, July 23 | 5:00PM
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City
Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29ZnkqH
Young Roar are out to reassert their dominance on their home patch against the league-leading Heat in Saturday’s early kick-off.
The hosts undefeated run this season at Cleveland Showgrounds came to an end against Fire three weeks ago and Josh McCloughan’s youngster will be eager to make amends this time out.
For Heat, the fixture looms as a potential banana-skin in their push for a maiden Premiership title – with a blockbuster Westfield FFA Cup showdown looming next week.
The match marks the first time these sides have met at this venue which was the scene of Heat’s first defeat this season back in April against Redlands.
More - "Young Roar Prepare For Heat Test"
SWQ Thunder FC v Gold Coast City FC
Saturday, July 23 | 6:30PM
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba
Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29PJT5L
City are aiming to keep pace with the league-leaders – and extend a three match winning streak – when they head up the range to face Thunder.
Currently sitting third, City have kept three straight clean sheets in recent rounds to put themselves firmly in the frame for a Premiership tilt.
However, they will face a stern test against a Thunder side that has claimed impressive scalps in Toowoomba this year – including league-leaders Heat, Redlands and Jets.
If they can upset City it will not only significantly boost their flagging finals hopes, but also mark their first ever win over City in six matches in all competitions.
Brisbane City FC v Northern Fury FC
Saturday, July 23 | 6:30PM
Corporate Travel Management Stadium, Brisbane
Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29Zogvc
City can sure up their hold on fourth spot on the table this weekend when they host the bottom-of-the-table Fury.
John Kosmina’s side have been the quiet achievers of 2016 and will have taken plenty of confidence from their last start draw against league-leaders Heat in Cairns a fortnight ago.
History and form significantly favour the hosts against the winless Fury, who have returned to Townsville empty-handed in their three previous clashes against City in the capital.
However, Fury have shown enough this season to suggest their drought can’t last forever and with the pressure firmly on the hosts they could well have a say in the make-up of the top four yet.
Moreton Bay United FC v Olympic FC
Saturday, July 23 | 6:30PM
Wolter Park, Moreton Bay
Match Centre – http://bit.ly/29RgAwd
Former Jets coach Terry Kirkham returns to Wolter Park for the first time in the visitors dug-out in the national second tier when his side face the defending Champions.
The match looms as a ‘six-pointer’ for Jets and Olympic as the two finals aspirants seek to edge ahead of the other on the fringes of the top four.
The form guide is firmly with the visitors – Olympic winning five of their past seven, while Jets are without a win in their last three starts.
However, and their last meeting resulted in the Olympic’s heaviest ever defeat in PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues, a statistical curiosity that has the potential to help or hinder both sides in equal measure.
More - "Jets Aim For Five From Five"
Sunshine Coast FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Sunday, July 24 | 2:00PM
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sunshine Coast
Match Centre - http://bit.ly/2adcQXA
One of the competition’s most storied rivalries continues on Sunday when Strikers head up the Bruce Highway to clash against old foes the Fire.
Strikers are looking to keep the pressure on Premiership rivals Heat and know every point will be crucial if they are to capitalise on any slip-ups from the league leaders.
However, despite sitting eighth, Fire are in the midst of their best run of the season as they mount an late charge for the top four – boasting three straight wins over City, Young Roar and Redlands.
But Fire must buck a torrid run against Strikers if they are to prevail though, with the hosts failing to breach Strikers’ defences in their past three meetings extending back to 2014.
More - "Henslee Wary Of Fire Threat"