The National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Men’s season is well underway now and some of last year’s Finals Series teams are once again leading the way, as they occupy four of the top five league positions.

Two of these top five teams will clash in Round 6 this weekend, while we are due for another shake up in the league standings as four mid-table sides are currently locked on seven points apiece, and the top and bottom of the table remain split by hairs.

Fans can watch all First Grade NPL Men’s matches live and on demand on the FQ YouTube channel.

Feature Match: Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Brisbane City

Our feature match this week will take place at Ballinger Park as newly-promoted side Sunshine Coast Wanderers host NPL veterans Brisbane City in a match set to be live streamed on the FQ Facebook page this Sunday evening.

After suffering defeat to Redlands United in the last round, Sunshine Coast Wanderers are the only NPL Men’s side yet to register a point in the league – However, they may fancy their chances against Brisbane City this Sunday.

Brisbane City have been involved in some tight affairs this season despite having faced four of the league’s bottom five – the only team they haven’t faced in that five are Wanderers, who host them this weekend.

While Wanderers currently sit bottom of the table, they have encountered some of the league’s top performing teams and have shown moments of brilliance on occasion – particularly with the ball at the feet of Jai Oakes and captain Jeremy Stewart.

As a young side gathering their first taste of NPL experience if not points, Wanderers are still finding their feet in Queensland’s top division – but with further development and a turn of fortunes, they may soon find themselves challenging opposition on a consistent basis.

An important step in Wanderers’ progression could lay in their home form – if they can produce a strong showing in front of their home fans, then the long trip up and down the M1 for most away teams will become an unpleasant one.

Brisbane City suffered their first defeat of the campaign last weekend when they fell 4-2 to Eastern Suburbs at Spencer Park – a result that came as a surprise to many who tipped the home side as favourites going into the clash.

City have been involved in several close encounters this year and haven’t been as convincing as other sides may have expected going into the season – a concern they will aim to put to bed this Sunday evening on the Sunshine Coast.

With Alex Fiechtner finding his way onto the scoresheet for the first time this season in City’s defeat to Eastern Suburbs, he may be key in igniting Brisbane City’s attack along with his own goalscoring form.

Another man capable of returning City to their prolific best is former A-League and Brisbane Roar player Solórzano, who will be hoping to add to the two goals he has already contributed for his side this campaign.

Match Details:

Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Brisbane City
Sunday, 15 March, 4:00pm
Ballinger Park
Live Stream Link

Other Matches to Watch:

Olympic FC v Brisbane Roar Youth

In another battle for a top four position, the in-form Brisbane Roar Youth will travel to Goodwin Park on Sunday night to face an Olympic side who are coming off the back of an impressive 4-0 win against Moreton Bay United.

Olympic have had a tough start to the year, running into a lot of teams that have started the season well. In saying that, they have been able to grind out a couple of decent results and now find themselves within touching distance of the top four.

They have another tough match to combat this weekend in Brisbane Roar Youth, but with their extensive attack starting to fire on all cylinders, they have every chance of kicking on from last round’s win.

Brisbane Roar Youth will be determined to make a statement to the rest of the league in this tie, with a win here going a long way to prove that they can compete at the business end of the NPL regardless of squad age.

With a team that possesses quality throughout, Brisbane Roar Youth have been equally impressive offensively and defensively so far this season – if they manage to impose themselves on the Olympic back line on Sunday, it’s fair to assume Cai Tipaldo and Alex Parsons will play some role in that given their current form.

Match Details:
Olympic FC v Brisbane Roar Youth
Sunday, 15 March, 6:00pm
Goodwin Park
Live Stream Link

Capalaba FC v Brisbane Strikers

Two teams currently sitting mid-table after five rounds will clash this weekend as Capalaba FC welcome Brisbane Strikers in Round 6 of the NPL Men’s. The hosts have recorded two wins and two losses so far this season, while Strikers have played an extra game and recorded one win from five.

Having not secured a victory since a Round 2 match against Magpies Crusaders, Strikers will be keen to get back in the winners’ circle come this weekend, but will need to find some form if they are to do so.

Capalaba meanwhile fell to a 4-0 loss at the hands of Lions FC last round in a tough encounter, but recorded two consecutive wins prior to that against Redlands United and Sunshine Coast Wanderers.

Strikers will be an interesting test for Capalaba, who have until now only faced teams at either end of the table. With only two points currently separating the two sides, the three points could be anyone’s for the taking this weekend.

Match Details:
Saturday, 14 March, 6:45pm
John Fredericks Park
Live Stream Link

Other Round 6 Matches:

Match Details:
Gold Coast Knights v Moreton Bay United
Saturday, 14 March, 6:30pm
Croatian Sports Centre
Live Stream Link

Match Details:
Eastern Suburbs v Redlands United
Saturday, 14 March, 6:00pm
Heath Park
Live Stream Link

Match Details:
Magpies Crusaders v Lions FC
WASHED OUT

Match Details:
Gold Coast United v Peninsula Power
WASHED OUT

Key Players for Round 6:

Abrahim Yango (Eastern Suburbs): Scoring a double in his side’s Round 4 win against Brisbane City, Yango was one of the best on the park for Easts and will look to carry his form into this weekend against Redlands United.

Jean-Philippe Lasm (Olympic): Featuring in last week’s Team of the Week thanks to his efforts against Moreton Bay United last week, Lasm will be looking to repeat the feat this round as his side takes on top three team Brisbane Roar Youth.

Alex Parsons (Brisbane Roar Youth): A string of standout performances from the Brisbane Roar Youth midfielder has played a role in his team’s early season success with his latest efforts earning a place in the Round 5 Team of the Week.

Words: Darren Newell
Image: Patrick Kearney/Olympic FC