United v Olympic – NPL Qld Rd23 Preview

 

 

 

 

United head to Goodwin Park on Sunday buoyed by another fighting performance against the Knights in the Gold Coast Derby mid-week. Going behind twice in that game, Kristian Rees’ squad showed composure to square things up against their top four rivals. That result brings renewed belief that they can take it to an Olympic side who’ll be brimming with confidence themselves after beating the league leaders on their patch midweek. 

After another hard fought draw in the derby, the mood in the United camp is positive ahead of this weekend’s match against another well fancied opponent. Captain Michael Thwaite believes the game will be a mental battle for United.

 

“Last time we played them, they beat us 4-0 at home and the boys weren’t quite up to it that day.”

According to Thwaite, “we need to start taking points off the teams above us.” 

 

United player to watch

New signing, Zander Guy, returns to Yeronga on Sunday for the first time since spending the 2017 season alongside Tyler Wagstaffe (injured) as part of the Olympic Men’s squad under Terry Kirkham’s watch. Following a mid-season switch from QPL side Logan Lightning, Zander is two games into his United season and showed glimpses of what he’s capable of in the opposition 18 yard box in the mid-week Derby. Guy will be out to make a statement on his return to Goodwin Park.

 

Zander Guy, about to be closed down by Adam Endean, against the Knights (photo Sportspics)

 

Olympic at a glance

Coming in to this match Olympic sit 3rd on the ladder on the back a six game winning streak. Sunday’s hosts are breathing down the neck of the front runners with games in hand on the top two.

Having accounted for United with aplomb at Coplicks earlier in the season, Ben Cahn will be hoping for a repeat performance on Sunday. A slip up against the surfsiders would dent their momentum as they vie for the top spot with Lions & Pen Power.

Led up front by one-time Palm Beach Shark, Chris Lucas, Olympic have attacking threats across the front third with excitement machine, Jez Lofthouse, a constant threat down the left and the ever-green Alex Smith in imperious form of late. One time Surfers Paradise Apollo midfielder, Phillip Lasm, is another who’s been in top form for the hosts.

 

Past Encounters

Honours were shared in 2018 – two 2-2 draws, both highly entertaining affairs. This season Olympic dominated from the get go in Rd8 at Coplicks, blowing United off the park in an impressive display of attacking football in testing conditions. 

 

Match Details

National Premier Leagues Queensland Round 23

Brisbane Olympic v Gold Coast United

Sunday, 7 July 2019

Kick-off at Goodwin Park is at 6pm

 

 

How to watch

Can’t make it to Yeronga, the game will be streamed on Football Queensland’s youtube channel