Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Stephen Gibson Photography

It’s the final round of the regular seasons schedule and the Premiership race remains neck-and-neck.

Moreton Bay United FC v Northern Fury FC
Saturday, August 22 / Wolter Park / 6:00PM

Moreton Bay United are looking to maintain their grasp on top spot in the standings after recapturing winning form against Young Roar midweek.

They face a Northern Fury outfit still with an outside shot at qualifying for their first ever PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals Series appearance.

History is on the hosts’ side, with Fury yet to win against Jets in five previous meetings.

Goal difference may ultimately decide the Premiership race between Jets and Strikers - so expect an open and attacking contest from the get-go.

This match will be LIVE STREAMED at www.nplqld.com.au

Brisbane City v SWQ Thunder FC
Saturday, August 22 / Corporate Travel Management Stadium / 6:00PM

The league’s bottom two sides battle out for pride on Saturday night in a match with no bearing on the top four but promising plenty of entertainment for the neutral observer.

City have finished the year strongly - winning three of their past four - and can still finish as high as ninth should they claim maximum points in their remaining two fixtures.

However, Thunder are vastly improved in recent weeks and, with time running out, will be eager to not finish another season without a league win to their credit.

FNQ Heat v Palm Beach SC
Saturday, August 22 / Barlow Park / 7:30PM

Palm Beach will look to keep their slim hopes of a top four finish alive when they head to Cairns to take on FNQ Heat.

Sharks are dependent on other results if they are to secure a second successive Finals Series appearance, but are also seeking to find form ahead of their Westfield FFA Cup date against Western Sydney Wanderers in a fortnight’s time.

Despite now being out of the top four hunt, Heat have never beaten the Sharks in five previous league meetings and will be fired up to finish their 2015 campaign with three points.

Sunshine Coast FC v Brisbane Strikers
Sunday, August 23 / Sunshine Coast Stadium / 2:00PM

Former Queensland State League foes Sunshine Coast FC and Brisbane Strikers are set to add another chapter to their fierce rivalry in Sunday’s early kick-off.

Strikers know a win will be vital if they are to remain in the hunt for the Premiership, while Fire will be hoping to deliver their supporters a win in their last match of the season.

Fire haven’t beaten Strikers since 2013 but that history will mean little to a raft of promising youngsters recently promoted to Fire’s senior squad.

Brisbane Roar FC Youth v Redlands United FC
Sunday, August 23 / Cleveland Showgrounds / 3:30PM

Redlands United were guaranteed a maiden PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Finals appearance midweek after Palm Beach SC drew with Western Pride.

Despite being the form team of the competition courtesy of a nine match winning streak, the Red Devils will be wary of complacency in their final home-and-away hit-out and need at least a point to sew up third place.

Young Roar are without a win in their past two matches but with plenty of players seeking to impress ahead of the Hyundai A-League season will still provide formidable opposition.

Olympic FC v Western Pride FC
Sunday, August 23 / Goodwin Park / 5:00PM

Olympic have been out of sorts recently but can still secure a third straight Finals Series appearance with a win over Western Pride in the final match of the round.

The hosts have lost three of their past four and will be desperate to return to winning habits should they advance to the Semi-Finals in a fortnight.

Pride’s recent form is equally unimpressive - winless in their past six games - and they will be desperate to end 2015 on a high in their final match of the campaign.