A 'red hot' Reds outfit clinched the Premiership two weeks ago, and coach Ante Milicic - along with his players and club supporters - will all be hoping the Championship title be added to their trophy cabinet.

Sydney United has been In good touch, though two weekends off 'official' duties must certainly have the Reds on full alert with the 'high flying' Sutherland Sharks visiting Edensor Park.

The Sharks stormed home to a third-spot finish in the regular season before clinching the TigerTurf Cup title, along with defeating Marconi Stallions last weekend to setup a shot at Sydney United.

The secret behind Robbie Stanton's success almost certainly revolves around the exceptional level of fitness of each of his squad members. The Sharks have run down each of their recent opponents, and with the tremendous form of Panni Nikas in the attacking third, the side is well-balanced throughout the midfield and defensive lines.

Sydney United's players may feel a little nervy due to their lack of matches in recent weeks, though the side does really carry a lot of experience across the park to ensure their achievements thus far are not to be undone. Joe Vrkic at the back with the assistance of Damon Collina will pose the Sharks strikers with a mountain to overcome, meanwhile David Zdrilic, Luka Glavas and Elsid Barkhousir - not forgetting Milicic himself - will be expected to get the goals.

A telling factor to this match could certainly be the state of the playing surface - which has certainly penalised each TeleChoice Premier League side, Sydney United included, this season.

On Saturday evening at Marconi Stadium, Marconi Stallions and Manly United FC meet in an elimination bout to keep their respective title challenges alive.

Both sides produced some good football last weekend, though the Stallions will need to convert their chances this weekend if they are to win this Minor semi-final. Again, much expectation will revolve around Ali Al-Hilfi's performance - the creative left-sided midfielder has been a pleasure to watch this season, though a slight drop in form coincided with some scrappy Stallions' results.

For Manly United FC, their mental toughness was clear for all to see as they held Bankstown City Lions scoreless over 120' minutes at Jensen Park before defeating the Lions via a penalty-shootout. Phil Moss' side has proven they can get results away from Cromer Park this season, and another away win is required if Manly United FC is to remain in the hunt for a Grand-Final berth.

Much at stake for both sides in this encounter, with the Stallions sure to start favourites simply due to home ground advantage.

-By Joseph Carlucci