Both Olympic FC and Western Pride are eyeing second place and the priceless advantage of a home semi-final in the final round of the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland’s regular season.
Redlands United FC v Lions FC
Cleveland Showgrounds
Friday, 24 August, 7:00pm
Premiers set to take it easy
Having claimed the Premiership last round, the pressure is now off Lions FC as they head into their final game of the regular season against a Redlands United outfit who have officially avoided relegation.
Lions head coach Warren Moon has suggested he may rest a number of his star players in preparation for their huge FFA cup tie against Hyundai A-League outfit Adelaide United next week.
Sunshine Coast FC v Gold Coast United FC
Kawana Sports Western Precinct
Saturday, 25 August, 2:00pm
Coast against Coast
Last-placed Sunshine Coast FC host Gold Coast United in a battle of the coasts on Saturday afternoon.
Sunshine Coast are set to play their final game of NPL football having been locked in for relegation to the Football Queensland Premier League for most of the season.
Meanwhile, Gold Coast will be hoping to end their season on a high after losing their last five games in a row.
SWQ Thunder FC v Cairns FC
Clive Berghofer Stadium
Saturday, 25 August, 5:00pm
Thunder host Cairns
Cairns FC will have to back up against SWQ Thunder on Saturday afternoon after their midweek FFA Cup loss to Hyundai A-League powerhouse Sydney FC.
In recent weeks, the Thunder have managed to leap ahead of Cairns into seventh place with three wins in a row against Moreton Bay United, Sunshine Coast FC and Gold Coast United respectively.
Brisbane Strikers FC v Magpies Crusaders FC
Cleveland Showgrounds
Saturday, 25 August, 6:00pm
Magpies travel south
Brisbane Strikers FC welcome Magpies Crusaders FC to Perry Park as both teams lace up their boots for the final time this campaign.
There is only pride on the line for both teams, with the Strikers narrowly missing out on a finals berth and the Magpies narrowly avoiding relegation.
Brisbane City FC v Western Pride FC
Corporate Travel Management Stadium
Saturday, 25 August, 6:30pm
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Pride eye late charge for second place
Western Pride FC can finish runners up and secure a home semi-final if they manage to overcome Brisbane City and Olympic FC slip up.
Pride, however, are coming off a shock 2-1 loss to Redlands United, while City are aiming to end their campaign with three consecutive victories.
Brisbane Roar FC Youth v Moreton Bay FC
Logan Metro Sports Complex
Saturday, 25 August, 7:00pm
Moreton Bay looking to enter finals on a high
Moreton Bay United will be hoping to secure a win over Brisbane Roar Youth, in order to enter the NPL finals series with maximum confidence.
The Roar will be hoping to rectify a dismal end to their NPL Queensland campaign and avoid a fifth straight defeat.
Olympic FC v North Queensland United FC
Goodwin Park
Sunday, 26 August, 3:00pm
Olympic eager to hold onto home semi-final
Having missed out on the Premiership, Olympic FC will no doubt be eager to ensure they finish the season in second and guarantee themselves a home semi-final.
With Western Pride hot on their heels, Olympic will want a win to play at Goodwin Park in the first week of the Finals Series.
Words: Samuel Johnson
Image: Chris Simpson
