Words: Steve Pitman & Michael Flynn
Image: Michele Pitman

Brisbane Strikers will unleash a battery of youthful ambition on Brisbane City in their final regular season match, according to skipper Michael Angus.

With the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Premiership secured, a massive midweek Westfield FFA Cup tie looming, Strikers are taking a cautious approach to Saturday’s capital city derby.

High on the agenda is resting players who have amassed a large number of minutes and protecting those walking the yellow card tightrope.

But, despite Strikers looking to draw heavily on their wider squad, Angus is adamant it won’t change their desire to take three points off their near neighbours.

“We will go with the same approach for this game that we do with every game. We’ll be approaching it to get a result,” Angus said.

“But with the finals and the FFA Cup coming up, it’s going to be a squad thing, and there will probably be opportunities for guys like Marshy (Luke Marsh) and Feli Sheriff as the coaching staff have a look at which players can affect a game. You have a squad for a reason.”

Marsh has predominantly served off the bench for Strikers this season, while Sheriff (pictured) has not featured since breaking his toe in an unfortunate road incident in July.

City have never defeated Strikers at Perry Park in the national second tier in three previous attempts, but with the continuation of their season likely to depend on breaking that duck to seal fourth place.

Angus said he was relishing the prospect of City trying to take the game to Strikers, with many visiting teams often preferring a more cautious approach.

“It will be interesting to see how they set up. Whether they go all-out or go for a transition game,” Angus said.

“So we’ll size that up in the first few minutes and come up with a plan for it, and see if we have to keep them at bay or how we counteract them.”

The match marks the return of several ex-Strikers to Perry Park including former National Soccer League coach John Kosmina, as well as previous fan favourites Scot Coulson and Greg King.

Following the fixture, Strikers will be presented with their PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2016 Premiers trophy – a moment that Angus said the whole team is relishing.

“We have not had a good chance to celebrate since winning the premiership in Townsville last week,” Angus said.

“The best way for the players is to come back to Perry Park and lift the trophy in front of our supporters and for it to be a squad thing for all of the players who have been involved.’

“It will certainly be a proud moment for me as captain and for the club,” he concluded.

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 22

Brisbane Strikers FC v Brisbane City FC
Saturday, August 20 | 6:00PM
Perry Park, Brisbane