Lions FC will be crowned 2018 NPL Premiers if they pick up at least a point against Brisbane Roar Youth.
At the other end of the spectrum, North Queensland United and Redlands United are both aiming to avoid relegation in the penultimate round of the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland.
Lions FC v Brisbane Roar FC Youth
Lions Stadium
Saturday, 18 August, 6:00pm
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Lions out to claim Premiership
Lions FC have the opportunity to be crowned the 2018 NPL Premiers when they host Brisbane Roar Youth at Lions Stadium on Saturday night.
The Lions only need a point to claim the coveted prize, but will no doubt be favored to seal the deal with a win, having won their last 12 games in a row, including the 6-0 demolition of Cairns FC last round.
Gold Coast United FC v SWQ Thunder FC
Station Reserve
Saturday, 18 August, 6:00pm
Gold Coast host Thunder
Gold Coast United FC welcome SWQ Thunder FC to Station Reserve on Saturday night.
The match presents a good opportunity for Gold Coast to find some form before the season ends, against a Thunder outfit who have also struggled for consistency this year.
However, Gold Coast’s defence will have to be at their best to stop Thunder’s resident hitman Christopher Hatfield, who has just won his fourth Football Queensland Goal of the Month award.
Moreton Bay United FC v Cairns FC
Wolter Park
Saturday, 18 August, 6:00pm
Cairns desperate to bounce back
Cairns FC will be looking to rectify last week’s 6-0 capitulation against Lions FC when they travel to Wolter Park to face Moreton Bay United.
Cairns were overrun by Lions and also had two men sent off.
No doubt they will be eager to make it up to their fans against a Jets outfit sitting in fourth spot.
Western Pride FC v Redlands United FC
Briggs Road Sporting Complex
Saturday, 18 August, 7:00pm
Redlands fighting for survival
Redlands United face the monumental task off upsetting a high-flying Western Pride outfit if they are to keep their bid for NPL survival on track.
Redlands managed a crucial win last round against Magpies Crusaders FC, but will have to be at their very best to stop a Pride outfit who sit second on the ladder and have won their last five consecutive games.
North Queensland United FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Brolga Park
Saturday, 18 August, 7:00pm
North Queensland on the brink of relegation
North Queensland United can be relegated this weekend if they lose against Brisbane Strikers and Redlands United win.
United have endured a tough campaign but will be hoping to salvage it at the death against their more-fancied opponents.
Magpies Crusaders FC v Brisbane City FC
Sologinkin Oval
Saturday, 18 August, 7:00pm
Magpies looking to guarantee safety
Mathematically, Magpies Crusaders FC can still be relegated this season, however a point against Brisbane City FC on Saturday night will end that.
A plethora of results have to go against the Magpies for them to face the drop come season’s end, however they will not want to leave anything to chance as they face sixth-placed City.
City are coming off a dominant 4-0 victory against North Queensland United, so the Magpies will have to be at the top of their game to earn the point they desperately crave.
Olympic FC v Sunshine Coast FC
Goodwin Park
Sunday, 19 August, 6:00pm
Sunshine Coast travel to face Olympic
Last-placed Sunshine Coast FC face the daunting task of traveling to Goodwin Park on Sunday night to face the in-form Olympic FC.
Olympic are undefeated in their last eight matches and can now turn their attention to the finals having guaranteed a top four finish. They also have the opportunity to move to second on the ladder if Western Pride slip up.
Words: Samuel Johnson
Image: Ian Judd