Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Ray Gardner / Redlands United FC

This weekend’s catch-up round of PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland fixtures offers a chance for several clubs to sure up their Finals Series chances.

Northern Fury FC v FNQ FC Heat
Saturday, 18 July / Brolga Park / 7:00PM

Fifth-placed Northern Fury are seeking their second ever derby win over FNQ Heat as they look to take home the Frank Farina Cup.

Fury have stormed from nowhere to emerge as genuine Finals Series contenders in recent weeks courtesy of two wins and a gifted three points from a forfeit from Brisbane Roar Youth.

While Heat remain one of the most unpredictable sides in the competition - holding high-flying Brisbane Strikers to a bore draw in their last hit-out to follow-up a disappointing home loss against Brisbane City.

Fury are yet to defeat Heat in Townsville - with their only win against their northern rivals in the past three years coming in Cairns in February.

Western Pride FC v Sunshine Coast FC
Saturday, 18 July / Briggs Road Complex / 7:00PM

Both Pride and Fire are mired in mid-season form slumps and have a point to prove in this lower-table showdown.

Pride will be under the command of new coach Graham Harvey for the first time and looking to turnaround a disappointing 6-1 defeat at the hands of Redlands United last weekend.

While Fire’s players, who are without a win in their last eight outings, will also need to tighten their defences after shipping three or more goals in three of their past five matches.

In short - a chance for both sides to regain some much needed confidence.

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

SWQ Thunder FC v Redlands United FC
Sunday, 19 July / Clive Berghofer Stadium / 1:00PM

Finals contenders Redlands United will avoid the notorious Toowoomba chill with an early kick-off against SWQ Thunder on Sunday.

The Red Devils are strong favourites for the clash after winning their past four games by a combined 15 goals - a average margin of more than 3 goals per match.

Thunder delivered arguably their best performance last weekend against Northern Fury but still failed to secure that elusive first win of the campaign.

The hosts are edging towards an upset but the Red Devils will do everything in their power to avoid complacency and sure up their hold on fourth place.

Brisbane Strikers FC v Olympic FC
Tuesday, 21 July / Perry Park / 7:00PM

Two Premiership contenders clash in a mid-week capital city showdown at Perry Park as Brisbane Strikers host Olympic FC.

Both sides are in good form with the second-placed Strikers  without a loss in their past five matches and Olympic on a three-match winning streak.

While Olympic boast current Golden Boot leader Tim Smits up front, they will have to be alert to contain mid-season Strikers recruit Apai Ukuno who has proved a revelation off the bench for Strikers in recent weeks.

Between the posts are two former Brisbane Roar goalkeepers with Matt Acton serving as custodian for Olympic and mid-season signing Fraser Chalmers donning the gloves for Strikers.