CONCORDIA will have the opportunity to move to the top of the mount Isa Mens soccer ladder with a win over Parkside on Saturday.
The grand final rematch shapes as the blockbuster for the three fixtures set for tomorrow at Tony White Oval.
Parkside, yet to taste defeat this year, is sure to be tested for the first time against a full strength Concordia outfit.
Despite taking the honours last time they met, Parkside coach Jason Howard said his men faced a different challenge this time.
"With Concordia at full strength, we're going to have to be on top of our game.
"Last time we came away with the points but this time it will be a fast game.
"I think the youth in the team will be up to anything Concordia throw at them."
The salivating congest is buoyed by the fact both sides shape as taking to the field at full strength, and Howard said the team who finishes off best in front of goal will take the ascendency.
"We have a few key players back in the squad, and if we can finish off our opportunities I think we can come away with the points," he said.
"It will be a closely fought game and we will need to close everything down quickly and not give them any chances."
Players to watch include Kevin Robinson, Dan Poole and Rowan Murphy
Concordia coach Arthur McHugh believes it's vital his charges continue to build on their momentum gained in previous weeks.
"We're hoping to maintain the consistency shown over the last couple of weeks," he said.
"The team is becoming a lot more settled with more players returning from injury and playing in their preferred positions.
"This is reflective in the type of soccer we are playing, and should lead to an interesting encounter against the undefeated Parkside.
" On present form I do not see why we cannot continue our good form into this match.
"Anything less than a win will be disappointing."
Concordia B will start its B-Grade against Atlas A with 3-0 head start, with the gifted advantage ensuring this contest will be tense throughout.
After opening their account with three straight losses, Concordia has shown signs of improvement with a win and a draw from its last two matches, both against International.
Atlas coach Will Cook said he was looking for an improved performance from his men.
"We're yet to win a game this year so we will be focusing on correcting the errors we keep making in the games we have played so far," he said.
"Areas like controlling the mid-field with players like Rory Duggan and Nick Diamond also having a much tighter defence will be the key to winning.
John McCullough will make a strong addition to our back line with his experience and presence.
Although his side has displayed encouraging improvement in recent performances, Concordia Coach Arthur McHugh said they will need to lift another notch tomorrow.
"We will have to improve significantly from our previous outing against International," he said.
"The return of Andy Gattera and Brad Crossingham should bolster the midfield, making them more competitive."
Rob Gleeson found his range last week with a double, and looms should be an interesting encounter.
In the B-Grade match, Parkside B will tackle Atlas B, with the former looking to turn the tables on the 3-0 defeat last time out.
Parkside coach Jason Howard said he hoped his side could bounce back from last week's loss.
"After a loss to Parkside A on the weekend and a loss to Atlas we will be looking to regroup and get back to basics," he said.
"We've missed a few key players over the last few weeks, but should be at full strength."
Gordon Gemmell, PW Janse van Wuuren and Shaun Bucci will be out to play strong games for Parkside, with their defence also strengthened by the return of Shane McDonald
Undefeated Atlas B will be looking to keep their record intact according to coach Will Cook.
"We'll be looking to keep it that way, but our young guns Sai Turaga, Rory Page and Mitchell Rogers-Page will have to be at their best to contend with Parksides skilled defensive line," he said.
"Hopefully our boys can put away some early goals."
Chris Wilkinson, Mischa Grummit and Chris Robertson are set to be the playmakers for Atlas B.
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