Both sides are battling to consolidate their presence in the Top-Five with this match the curtain raiser for Sydney FC's friendly match against Robbie Fowler's North Queensland Fury; Sharks v Stallions is set for a 4:00 pm kick-off.

The Sharks met the Stallions in Round 4 Tiger Turf Cup action a fortnight ago, with the Sutherland side running out comfortable 4-1 winners. The Stallions have slightly taken their foot off the accelerator in recent weeks, with a list of suspensions, a leaky defence and a heavy match fixture list due to washed-out matches starting to take its toll. Coach Lee Sterrey will be without the experience of suspended defender Vuko Tomasevic, as the side attempts to bounce back from two consecutive League losses.

The Sharks on the other hand have seemingly turned the corner following a somewhat uncharacteristic drop in form to record an impressive away draw with League leader Sydney United and a comfortable defeat of Wollongong Community FC. Robbie Stanton will be banking on the fine service of Nick Stavroulakis out of midfield along with the goal scoring exploits of a red-hot Brad Boardman in the Sharks' attacking third.

At Gabbie Stadium, Blacktown City Demons will be out to build on the morale boosting last minute equaliser against Sydney Tigers last weekend - where Ken Schembri's men battled with nine-men and snatched a last-ditch draw courtesy of a sensational Tyler Simpson goal. With hopes of finals football fading each week, the Demons need maximum points against Bonnyrigg White Eagles to keep their slim chances alive. Schembri will be without the services of two very experienced campaigners - Kain Rastall and Adam Kwasnik - though will be banking on a confident Tyler Simpson on Saturday evening.

Bonnyrigg White Eagles enter this encounter with all hands on deck after a weekend off due to the wet weather. Brian Brown will be hoping to play his new squad additions Jay Lucas, Ryan Baldacchino, Dejan Zivkovic, Vukasin Ristic and Carlos Guimaraes, along with defender Graeme Forbes against the Demons; a win could see the side move into the Top-Five for the first time this season.

On Sunday afternoon at Cromer Park, Phil Moss' Manly United FC must secure maximum points to put a halt to their recent run of poor results when they host Sydney Olympic. Manly United is unbeaten in their last eight-outings though the side is win-less since Round 12, a worrying sign for the club as Sydney United continues to pile on the points at the top of the League ladder. In favour of the Cromer Park side is the two-matches in hand still to come, though between Tiger Turf Cup and catch-up matches, Phil Moss' men will have their work cut out over the coming month.

Sydney Olympic too need points to keep their finals hopes alive; the side will be carrying much confidence into this encounter following the hard-fought last minute triumph at the expense of Penrith-Nepean in Round 16. Matthew Mayora's goals continue to guide the Blues in a far from consistent season to-date, meanwhile Mirko Jurilj's impressive defensive displays have bolstered a leaky defence of late.

At Hooka Creek Park in Wollongong, WCFC hosts Penrith-Nepean United in a battle between the two sides occupying the bottom two spots on the ladder. WCFC has shown signs of delivering a win - which has eluded the side since Round 2 - though a lack of finishing has denied Glen Fontana's side. The side has consistently troubled visitors to Hooka Park, and the visit of Penrith-Nepean with only one win since Round 6 poses WCFC with an immense charge to close the gap on their rival.

Penrith-Nepean United has been hurt by a number of absentees in recent weeks, - led by Ante Juric and Evangelos Petratos - deserves a mountain of respect following some fine displays; results aside. The disappointment of a late goal conceded at Sydney Olympic last weekend may be a telling factor in the side's confidence heading into this encounter, though should the side use the loss as motivation, Nic McInerney, Greg Kondek and the experienced duo of Juric and Petratos Senior may certainly put a stop to the 'rot' of results for Penrith-Nepean.

League leader Sydney United will be expected to make light work of the visiting West Sydney Berries though Ante Milicic & Co. best beware of the threat posed by the Berries. Following a weekend off due to wash-outs, the Berries are coming off an impressive run of results including defeats of Sydney Olympic, Blacktown City and Penrith-Nepean; along with impressive showings against Bonnyrigg White Eagles and Manly United FC. Dimitri Zakilas has been the side's most influential player in-front of goal, one Joe Vrkic and Damon Collina will need to nullify on Sunday. The Reds have shown their qualities with industrious performances in recent weeks, the side has held a strong-hold of top-spot on the ladder since Round 1. Ante Milicic's goals, along with the youthful exuberance of Glen Trifiro and Andrija Petkovic out of midfield, stand the side in the box seat for the win.

In the final match of the Round, Bankstown City has the scene set to add further pressure to the three teams above them on the League ladder in the case the side secures maximum points against the visiting Sydney Tigers. The Lions have been impressive over the past month, helped greatly by the additions of Daniel Severino and Greg Owens to a previously stale side in-front of goal. Player/coach Peter Tsekenis has re-found his key midfield pairing of George Nohra and Phillip Makrys, allowing speedster Shane Webb to return to the left-flank.

The Tigers' confidence is 'down in the dumps' following another last minute goal conceded last weekend denied the side maximum points despite dominating Blacktown City over the 90' minutes. Luke McGuire's addition of Nick Rizzo to the midfield has added the side a strong central pairing comprising the former Olyroo and Jason Trifiro. In attack, the absence of Robbie Younis has been felt, with a lack of goals hurting the Tigers' chances of pushing for finals football. Any slight chance of the Tigers participating in the finals series rests heavily on a three-pointer at Jensen Park this Sunday.

For a full listing of washed out fixtures and new match dates, please visit www.footballnsw.com.au for updates.

-By Joseph Carlucci