Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Ray Gardner

Two PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues clubs can become the first Queensland sides to book their place in the Westfield FFA Cup Round of 32 this weekend.

Redlands United FC v Rochedale Rovers FC
Friday, June 3 | 7:00PM
Cleveland Showgrounds, Redland City

Redlands are looking to make home advantage count when they host Rovers – with both sides seeking an historic first ever appearance on the national stage.

Despite slipping to third place on goal difference in PlayStation 4 NPL last week, Redlands remain one of the form teams of the competition and boast the league’s second most miserly defence in 2016.

With just two defeats so far in 2016, their versatility in attack will again prove a threat with winger Nicolas Bechar, midfielders Michael Lee and Graham Fyfe, and recently-signed striker Alistair Davis all capable of finding the back of the net.

However, they will need to keep on their toes against a Rovers side full of confidence after delivering two late goals to bundle Moreton Bay United out of the competition in the previous round.

Rovers are also flying high in the fiercely contested third-tier Flight Centre Premier League – sitting third following impressive wins over top four sides Lions FC and Capalaba FC.

The big question remains how they will respond away from the familiar surrounds of Underwood Park after playing all four previous Preliminary Rounds ties on their home patch.

Lions FC v Brisbane Strikers FC
Sunday, June 5 | 5:00PM
Lions Stadium, Brisbane

 

Last year’s Round of 32 qualifiers line-up in a blockbuster showdown to determine the final qualifier from Queensland's Metro Zone for 2016.

Strikers are seeking to become the first Queensland club to notch a third straight appearance in the Round of 32 but will need to be on guard against a Lions side widely considered the strongest club in Queensland outside of the second tier.

Strikers' returns in the league have been built on the back of an indefatigable defence led by stalwart Grieg Henslee and goalkeeper Sebastian Usai that boasts nine clean sheets across all competitions and are yet to concede a goal in this year’s Preliminary Rounds.

However, they will need to be on guard against a Lions side that is widely considered to be the strongest in Queensland outside the second tier and boasting the additional plus of home ground advantage.

Lions attacking versatility – which has seen 14 different goal scorers in the Flight Centre Premier League this year – remains a potent threat, while their defence, like Strikers, has also conceded less than a goal a game.

These sides have already met once this season, with Lions prevailing in the pre-season BLK Silver Boot tournament Final in February at the same venue.