While this season’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland Men’s Premiership title race has been stealing headlines in recent weeks, crucial match-ups at the other end of the table this weekend are set to have lasting consequences on what is an equally dramatic battle to survive relegation.
Ongoing wet weather prevented this week’s Round 9 catch-up fixtures from going ahead, but we’re still set for some nail-biting clashes this weekend for Round 12 of the NPL Men’s.
Catch every NPL Men’s match live on NPL.TV.
Feature Match:
Brisbane City v Capalaba FC
Brisbane City are an institution of Australian football but currently find themselves in a precarious position. The Azzuri have lost all of their last three fixtures including a competitive but ultimately disappointing, 2-0 derby loss away from home to Lions FC who were helped by a goal from former City striker Jean Carlos-Solorzano.
That means that City are currently sitting level on points with last-placed Redlands United and only out of the relegation zone by virtue of their superior goal difference.
The side have shown plenty of fight in recent weeks but with just three games remaining this season against Capalaba FC, Peninsula Power, and Olympic FC respectively, must quickly find winning form to avoid the drop and may have no better opportunity than this weekend.
Just one place of ahead of City are this weekend’s opponents Capalaba FC who are by no means safe yet either.
Since their pivotal 3-0 win over local rivals Redlands United in Round 16, Capalaba have lost each of their subsequent four matches.
Having had the bye last weekend, Capalaba’s last match came in Round 8 where they were comprehensively beaten by high-flying Olympic FC 3-0 away from home.
Despite their recent poor form, Capalaba have been boosted by the recent signing of Emilio Martinez from Redlands United who may provide the x-factor from attacking midfield in this key match-up.
A Capalaba win would more or less see the Bulldogs secure a second season of NPL Queensland football while a win for City would put this weekend’s visitors right back in the mix to go down.
Match Details
Saturday, 31 October, 5:30pm
Corporate Travel Management Stadium
Live Stream Link
Redlands United v Gold Coast United
Widely tipped for relegation throughout the year by followers of the NPL Men’s, Redlands United are still very much in the fight for survival with three games remaining in the season despite currently occupying last place on the table.
After enjoying a hard fought 2-1 home win over Eastern Suburbs in Round 19, the red devils tasted defeat last time out in Round 8, losing 2-1 in another close encounter away to Moreton Bay United.
Redlands currently remain bottom thanks only to Brisbane City’s superior goal difference and will no doubt continue to be a difficult proposition for any opponent as they look to prove their doubters wrong and maintain their NPL status.
This weekend they will take on Gold Coast United who are also looking to improve upon recent form, having won only one of their last four matches.
Their last appearance came in the Round 2 Gold Coast Derby against Gold Coast Knights with United ultimately losing 2-1 despite a brilliant freekick goal from Zander Guy.
Gold Coast United are a side full of quality with veterans Shane Smeltz, Michael Thwaite and Justyn Mckay leading the way but will need to be at their very best to get a result against a Redlands outfit who will surely be up for a fight.
Match Details
Saturday, 31 October, 7:00pm
Compass Grounds
Live Stream Link
Brisbane Strikers v Peninsula Power
Brisbane Strikers have had somewhat of a mixed campaign but are still in contention for a fifth-place finish if they’re to have a successful run in the final four games of the season, sitting just three points behind Moreton Bay United who currently occupy that position.
Last time out Strikers earned a 1-1 draw in round 8 away from home against Sunshine Coast Wanderers and will be hoping to build upon a run that has seen them lose just once in their last five matches.
That may prove difficult however as they are set to take on league-leading Peninsula Power who are looking to extend their five-game winning streak.
Their last appearance came in Round 9 against Brisbane Roar Youth and was full of drama to say the least.
With the game level at 2-2 in the 92nd minute, Roar worked a glorious goalscoring opportunity for Cyrus Dehmie who was inexplicably denied by a stunning save from veteran Power goalkeeper Phil Zabaks.
Following that stunning moment Power counter-attacked with Marek Madle driving towards the byline on the right wing before teeing up Daniel Clark for a 93rd minute winner, putting Power on top of the table.
The league leaders will be hoping for something slightly less dramatic against Strikers but will need to continue their winning form one way or the other to stave off the pressure form the chasing pack.
Match Details
Saturday, 31 October, 6:30pm
Perry Park
Live Stream Link
Other Round 12 Matches:
Sunshine Coast Wanderers v Lions FC
Friday, October 30, 8:00pm
Ballinger Park
Live Stream Link
Brisbane Roar Youth v Gold Coast Knights
Saturday, 31 October, 6:30pm
Croatian Sports Centre
Live Stream Link
Eastern Suburbs v Moreton Bay United
Saturday, 31 October, 7:30pm
Heath Park
Live Stream Link
Key Players:
Marquez Walters (Brisbane City): The former Roar Youth man has added dynamism and flair to the City frontline since joining the club mid-season and will be looking to once again make his mark in this weekend’s crucial match against Capalaba.
Emilio Martinez (Capalaba FC): An undoubted talent, Brisbane Strikers and Redlands United were unable to get the best out of the creative midfielder this season who will be hoping to make an impact at new club Capalaba and help them secure survival, starting this weekend against Brisbane City.
Kai Barnes (Redlands United): The diminutive central-midfielder has been the engine driving Redlands forward this season and will need to be at his best to both contain Gold United’s talented forward unit and unlock their defence.
Words: Jacob Wala
Image: Ian Judd/Lions FC
