After an FFA Cup break the National Premier Leagues Queensland is back with some huge clashes that could have an impact all the way through the table. Of course the FIFA World Cup kicks off this weekend, with Australia in action at 8:00pm on Saturday, meaning there are a spate of earlier than normal kick offs – so don’t get caught out and miss any of the action!
SWQ Thunder v Brisbane Strikers
Clive Berghofer Stadium
Saturday, 16 June, 5:00pm
Can Thunder roll Strikers?
SWQ Thunder are on a three game winning roll and will be full of confidence as they welcome an out of form Strikers side to Toowoomba on Saturday evening.
Strikers simply need a victory after suffering four straight defeats in all competitions – including a humbling 3-0 defeat in the Cup against Peninsula Power – if they are to continue their exceptional run of playing finals football.
It was a 5-0 victory over the Thunder at Perry Park that sparked a 10 game unbeaten run for David Large’s side, and he will be hoping for a similar result this time out against the in-form Thunder.
North Queensland United v Lions FC
Brolga Park
Saturday, 16 June, 5:30pm
Lions head north
North Queensland have slipped back into the relegation zone after Redlands’ surprise victory over Gold Coast last time out and will be hoping home ground advantage will help topple a Lions team that have won their last two matches in the league.
Lions are coming into this game after putting Peninsula Power to the sword in the FFA Cup last weekend and will likely take that confidence to Townsville as they look to consolidate their spot in the finals positions.
Redlands United v Cairns FC
Cleveland Showgrounds
Saturday, 16 June, 5:30pm
Redlands welcome red-hot Cairns
Redlands stunned the league with a 5-1 demolition of Gold Coast United last time out and will look to take that form into Saturday night’s match with Cairns at the Cleveland Showgrounds.
Cairns will be full of beans themselves after qualifying for the FFA Cup Round of 32 last weekend, coming back from a 3-0 deficit to stun the Magpies Crusaders and improve their recent record to four wins in their last five in all competitions.
Last time these teams met, Cairns won a five goal thriller 3-2 so expect plenty of action on the Bay on Saturday night.
Western Pride FC v Magpies Crusaders FC
Briggs Road Sporting Complex
Saturday, 16 June, 5:45pm
Pride are back
The Pride are back within two points of top spot on the ladder with a game in hand and will welcome a Magpies side to Briggs Road on Saturday who shipped five goals against Cairns in the FFA Cup last Saturday.
Prior to their FFA Cup defeat the Magpies Crusaders were on a roll, winning their last two matches, and have proven in recent weeks that they can give the best teams in the league plenty of problems.
This is the first time these two teams have met in the league after their Round 4 game was washed out up in Mackay.
Brisbane City v Gold Coast United
Corporate Travel Management Stadium
Saturday, 16 June, 6:00pm
First time meeting between A-League aspirants
Brisbane City and Gold Coast United will meet for the first time on Saturday evening at Corporate Travel Management Stadium after their Round 4 clash was postponed due to wet weather.
After a mini-resurgence, City have lost their last two games in the league and will be desperate to get back to winning ways in front of their home supporters – especially after Sunday’s heart breaking defeat in the FFA Cup to Olympic on penalties.
Gold Coast were shocked by a rampant Redlands United side last time out but prior to that had won four games in a row and will be out to prove that the 5-1 defeat at Robina Station Reserve was nothing more than an aberration.
Olympic FC v Moreton Bay United
Goodwin Park
Sunday, 17 June, 5:00pm
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Olympic and Moreton Bay renew acquaintances
Olympic and Moreton Bay United will do battle for the second time in just over two weeks at Goodwin Park on Sunday evening.
Olympic will be full of confidence after last weekend’s dramatic victory over Brisbane City secured a second ever visit to the national rounds of the FFA Cup, but Moreton Bay United will be up for exacting some revenge after Olympic knocked them out of the Cup in the round prior.
That game needed extra time to determine a victor after the two sides ended the 90 minutes locked at 2-2, so we should be in for another tight one in front of the Football Queensland cameras at Goodwin Park on Sunday night.
Brisbane Roar Youth v Sunshine Coast FC
Logan Metro Sports Complex
Sunday, 17 June, 6:30pm
Two teams in need of a win
The Roar Youth and Sunshine Coast have both lost their last five games and will both be looking for a win to spark their seasons into life at Logan on Sunday night.
Sunshine Coast were so close to grabbing a spot in the national rounds of the FFA Cup last week before fading in extra time against Gold Coast Knights, but will be pleased enough with their showing as proof that they are capable of pushing teams all the way.
The Roar have been on the slide for a few weeks now and will be looking to record their first win at Logan Metro since the middle of April.
