Third versus first is one of two matches to kick off a potentially decisive Round 12 in PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland.
Redlands United FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Friday, 29 May / Cleveland Showgrounds / 7:00PM
From winless in seven matches to unbeaten in four across all competitions, Redlands United have found form at just the right time for the visit of Brisbane Strikers.
The Red Devils might have made it four wins on the trot if they had converted opportunities in the 0-0 draw with Young Roar and the likes of Lyndon Dykes and Elliott Ronto will need their shooting boots to trouble the league’s second-placed side.
Strikers have been in ominous touch since their only defeat of the season, keeping three straight clean sheets and hitting 10 goals in the past two rounds.
Olympic FC v Moreton Bay United FC
Friday, 29 May / Goodwin Park / 7:00PM
One of the matches of the season to date looms on Friday night as third-placed Olympic FC attempt to end the unbeaten run of league-leaders Moreton Bay United.
Jets could move eight points plus a match clear of the hosts with victory after needing some fortune to overcome Northern Fury in a five-goal thriller last week, a result which extended their free-scoring winning run to four matches.
Olympic will need every bit of their confidence from a 5-2 defeat of Western Pride and the return to top form of spearhead Tim Smits, who netted a hattrick, is a timely boost.
Palm Beach SC v Brisbane Roar FC Youth
Saturday, 30 May / Mallawa Complex / 5:00PM
The seasons of Palm Beach SC and Brisbane Roar Youth both hang in the balance at the midway point of the season with equal potential for ascension or stagnation.
Despite already suffering more defeats than last term combined, Sharks reignited their hopes of breaking back into the finals places with a 3-1 defeat of FNQ Heat in Round 10.
Influential captain Justyn McKay again was again front and centre for the Gold Coast club and will look for his fourth goal of the season against Young Roar, who have lost just once this term.
Brisbane City FC v Sunshine Coast FC
Sunday, 31 May / Corporate Travel Management Stadium / 3:00PM
Sunshine Coast were dealt a harsh 4-0 lesson by Brisbane Strikers a week ago and will be eager to atone for that setback on their third straight visit to Queensland’s capital.
Safe in fourth for the time being, Paul Arnison’s side must return to picking up points if they’re to remain in the finals reckoning.
Sunday’s clash with Brisbane City comes at a tough time for Fire as the home side are high on confidence following two straight victories, crucially tightening their defence to concede only twice.
For measure, City conceded fewer than two goals just once in their opening eight matches.
South West Queensland Thunder FC v Western Pride FC
Sunday, 31 May / Clive Berghofer Stadium / 4:00PM
Western Pride’s promising year has been derailed somewhat by three successive defeats and their resolve is set to be tested by a third away fixture in four rounds.
A trip west to Toowoomba is next on the agenda where SWQ Thunder await, seeking to end their own lean trot.
Thunder netted six times in their first three matches but only two have followed in as many months; against Pride, though, they can reasonably expect more in front of goal.
Both teams need to tighten in defence with neither able to concede fewer than two in recent weeks.
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