In this week of the NPL Queensland, Western Pride welcome Brisbane City after losing leading scorer Dylan Wenzel-Halls to Brisbane Roar, while Moreton Bay United and Brisbane Roar FC Youth lock horns as they target the top four.
Lions FC v Redlands United FC
Lions Stadium 1
Saturday, 12 May, 6pm
Lions aim to keep winning run going
Lions FC will be looking for their sixth straight win when they host Redlands United on Saturday. This is a great opportunity for the Lions to keep pressure on the sides above them with another strong showing.
Redlands conceded five goals in the last two matches played, most recently against leaders Western Pride FC, and should have an idea of the intensity that will be needed to tame the Lions.
Moreton Bay United v Brisbane Roar FC Youth
Wolter Park 1
Saturday, 12 May, 6pm
Battle for fourth picks up
Currently sitting in fifth and sixth on the NPL Queensland ladder, both Moreton Bay United and Brisbane Roar Youth are eyeing a top-four finish in the league.
While on paper these two teams seem evenly matched, Moreton Bay United has scored more and conceded less than the Roar Youth and are undefeated in four games.
Cairns FC v SWQ Thunder
Barlow Park,
Saturday, 12 May, 6:30pm
Thunder make trip to Cairns
While the 2018 season hasn’t produced the goods so far for these two sides, Thunder can leapfrog Cairns FC on the NPL Queensland ladder with three points on Saturday night.
SWQ have not had a win in six games and despite the travel, will fancy themselves favourites against a Cairns side struggling for consistency in front of goal.
Western Pride FC v Brisbane City FC
Briggs Road Sporting Complex 1
Saturday, 12 May, 7pm
Chance for Pengelly to step up
Leaders Western Pride FC will face the first test in the NPL Queensland without striker Dylan Wenzel-Halls when they take on Brisbane City FC.
Sitting a point clear of Olympic FC with a game in hand, Pride will be looking for Andrew Pengelly to keep the Pride rolling in their 10-game winning streak. Pengelly has scored eight goals in 11 matches so far this season.
These two sides met last week in an FFA Cup clash, with City stunning Pride in a convincing 4-1 victory.
North Queensland United FC v Olympic FC
Brolga Park 1
Saturday, 12 May, 7pm
Olympic make trip north
Ten places separate these two teams on the NPL Queensland ladder.
North Queensland are without a win since March 10, but have scored five times in their last five fixtures, and will have to be at their best to take anything from their clash with second-placed Olympic.
Magpies Crusaders FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Sologinkin Oval, Mackay
Saturday, 12 May, 7pm
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Strikers face danger game against improving Magpies
Brisbane Strikers will be aiming to keep hold of third spot one week longer when they play against Magpies Crusaders FC on Saturday night.
The Strikers come into this game on a streak of eight wins in a row, but will be wary of an improved Magpies Crusaders outfit who will be spurred on by a vocal home crowd.
Gold Coast United FC v Sunshine Coast FC
Station Reserve 1
Saturday, 12 May, 7pm
Coasts clash on the GC
Gold Coast United welcome Sunshine Coast FC in the coast derby on Saturday night at Station Reserve.
The home side recently ended a three-game losing run and will need to be focused against what is likely to be a desperate Sunshine Coast.
The away side have not had a win in three months and will need to keep an eye on new United signing Jayden Prasad, who is expected to make his club debut.
Words: Brett Sinclair
