PS4 NPL Queensland Preview: Round 20

It’s coming down to the wire in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland with three clubs still battling to finish on top in Round 20.

SWQ Thunder FC v Sunshine Coast FC
Saturday, 8 August / Clive Berghofer Stadium / 5:00PM

Sunshine Coast FC are seeking back-to-back wins for the first time since early May when they travel to Toowoomba to face bottom-placed SWQ Thunder on Saturday.

Fire ended a ten match winless streak last weekend 1-0 against Western Pride courtesy of club leading goalscorer Jacob Fulluck and will fancy their chances against a Thunder side without a win in nearly two full seasons of PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland.

However, the hosts showed plenty of promise against Redlands United in their last start and are edging ever closer to that elusive first ever three points.

 

Brisbane City FC v Redlands United FC
Saturday, 8 August / Corporate Travel Management Stadium / 6:00PM

Both City and Redlands will be banking on their late season form to carry them across the line in an intriguing match-up in Brisbane on Saturday night.

Redlands are the in-form team of the competition at present - their seven straight PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland wins making them favourites to capture the fourth and final place in this year’s Finals Series.

However, City are on a two-match winning streak and have form against post-season contenders after downing Northern Fury and Palm Beach SC in recent weeks.

The hosts will need to shut-down Red Devils midfield maestro Graham Fyfe, who currently leads the Golden Boot race with 16 goals this season.

 

Brisbane Roar FC Youth v Northern Fury FC
Saturday, 8 August / Perry Park / 6:00PM

Brisbane Roar Youth and Northern Fury - two of the league’s most unpredictable sides - meet for the first time this season on Saturday in Brisbane.

Fury were gifted the three points by Young Roar earlier this year via forfeit, however Fury will need to do it the hard way this time out.

Young Roar will be hoping to bounce back from an unflattering 4-1 defeat at the hands of Olympic FC in the last round, while Fury look to build on a surprise 5-2 win over Premiership contenders Brisbane Strikers last weekend.

Jake Perry struck his first ever PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland hat-trick in that match and will again prove crucial for Fury this weekend.

 

FNQ FC Heat v Olympic FC
Saturday, 8 August / Barlow Park / 6:30PM

Only one point behind the league-leaders, Olympic FC can take a big step towards their second PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Premiership title with a win over FNQ Heat in Cairns on Saturday.

Heat have the wood on Olympic this season - with a strong win at Goodwin Park in May - and will again be primed for another big performance as they look to keep their Finals Series hopes alive.

However, the hosts were fortunate to escape with a nil-all draw against Moreton Bay United last weekend, while Olympic were impressive in a 4-1 home win over Young Roar.

With plenty on the line for both sides - this match could go either way.

 

Western Pride FC v Moreton Bay United FC
Saturday, 8 August / Briggs Road Complex / 7:00PM

It’s the last chance saloon for Western Pride this weekend as they seek to stay in the hunt for a maiden Finals Series berth against league leaders Moreton Bay United.

Jets know every point will be crucial as they seek to hold off Brisbane Strikers and Olympic FC in the race for the title and will be extra motivated after only taking one point from their past two outings.

Pride’s robust attacking presence will cause Jets problems, but the hosts need to put away their chances after last week’s wasteful turn in front of goal at Sunshine Coast FC.

Both sides need the win for different reasons, so expect plenty of fireworks in Ipswich.

 

Brisbane Strikers FC v Palm Beach SC
Sunday, 8 August / Perry Park / 2:30PM

The second match of the weekend at Perry Park sees Brisbane Strikers looking to return to the top of the table against a Palm Beach SC side on the verge of missing out on Finals football.

Sharks were stung by a fired-up Brisbane City last round, but had only their selves to blame after spurning plenty of chances to take the three points.

Strikers will be equally disappointed by a heavy 5-2 defeat against Northern Fury in Townsville, but their hopes of bouncing back will be tempered by the sobering midweek news that star forward Jheison Macuace will miss the rest of the season.

A win for either side could well prove the defining match in their respective seasons.