Thunder prepares to face NPL rivals

South West Queensland Thunder prepares to face NPL rivals Western Pride.

UNDER PRESSURE: SWQ Thunder midfielder Emmanuel Philip (right) attempts to win the ball of Magpies Crusaders opponent Makhaya Quakawoot. Picture: Nev Madsen

FOOTBALL: The next three weeks will test the South West Queensland Thunder.

Kicking off today with their match against fourth-placed Western Pride the Thunder will face three of top four placed NPLQ sides.

It's a period that could make or break the team's top six dreams and the team is ready.

"It's been a really good few months for us,” assistant men's team manager Kris Hemmerling said.

"The confidence of the team is very high right now.

"Teams like the Pride, Lions and Olympic play at another level compared to the rest of the competition.

"But we're ready and looking forward to the challenge.”

Facing last year's champions at Clive Berghofer Stadium Hemmerling said the Thunder will need to be completely focused if they are to win.

"Every single one of our players needs to switched off,” Hemmerling said.

"Teams like Western Pride will exploit any weakness or hole they see in a side.

"We'll be ready though.

"Francesco (Zanoncelli) changed the way were playing a little while and to be honest we needed that change.

"It's a formation and a style that works for us - gives us confidence.

"Everyone knows their role and we're a great unit.”

Women face Lions

The SWQ Thunder women will take a degree of confidence into their game with Lions.

Away to seventh placed Eastern Suburbs the Thunder were resilient in their 3-1 defeat.

It won't be easy though with the Lions second on goal difference to The Gap FC.

GAME TIMES: The Thunder men and women will play at Clive Berghofer Stadium today. The women kick off at 12.30pm, the men at 5pm.

Originally published as Thunder prepares to face NPL rivals