United v Western Pride – NPL Qld Rd25 Preview

 

 

 

United head to Ipswich tonight to take on the best of the West, a visit to Briggs Road for Rd25 of the Queensland NPL against Pride.

Pride sit in the relegation zone and need to start scoring points if their to catch the high flying Magpies who are one spot higher on the ladder six points clear of Ipswich who have one game in hand. 

Kristian Rees has prepared for a dogfight against a side desperate for a result to better their prospects of staying up, United too are keen to return to the winners circle having last tasted victory in Rd19 away against Brisbane City.

 

United player to watch

The silky defensive skills of Junya Yabe will be called on once again at the back at Briggs Road. Junya made his third appearance in Football Queensland’s team of the week after another solid display last weekend, slotting in seamlessly at centreback in the absence of Michael Thwaite who is expected to play a part this week. With Dean Wernerson on the sidelines after accumulating 5 yellow cards, Junya’s versatility will likely be on show alongside the skipper for this one.

 

Junya Yabe in action against Redlands in the re-scheduled Rd12 match-up at Coplicks (Sportspics)

 

Western Pride at a glance

A poor start to 2019 saw Terry Kirkham brought in to right the ship mid-season. Pride’s inconsistency has continued to be their achilles heel even after Kirkham lured Afghani international, Zelfy Nazary, across to Briggs Road from Goodwin Park. Captain Cameron Crestani remains a mainstay at the back but can get forward and rocket in a long ranger.

 

Past Encounters

United were little troubled in Rd10 at Coplicks winning 3-1. A fit Cian Cuba scored two and Tom Miller chimed in with a goal. This weekend’s home side took the points in both 2018 outings , a 3-0 win at Briggs Road in Rd 9 and a 3-1 scoreline at Station Reserve in Rd 22.

 

Match Details

National Premier Leagues Queensland Round 25

Western Pride v Gold Coast United 

Saturday, 27 July 2019

Kick-off at 7pm

Briggs Road Sporting Complex

 

How to watch

Can’t make it to Ipswich, the match will be live streamed on Football Queensland’s youtube channel.

Set a reminder at this link http://bit.ly/GCUvPRIDE