Lions vs Olympic - Queensland NPL

Lions prepare to host Olympic at the home ground on July 4, 2026, with both sides eager to assert their credentials and claim a result that could define their Queensland NPL season. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Both Lions and Olympic will be eager to build momentum when they meet in Queensland NPL. The hosts have hit a rich vein of form, WWWWW over their last five outings translating into a 77.27% win rate this campaign. Olympic have blown hot and cold, LLWWL across their last five and a season win rate of 36.36%. Where Lions have built their campaign on solidity, Olympic have often chased flair, and that fundamental difference should make for compelling viewing. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player On Sunday, there was the opportunity to attend another thriller as Augsburg went top of the table.

How the two sides approach the contest strategically will be key. Lions will want to control proceedings in front of their own supporters, while Olympic will back themselves to cause problems on the break. It isn't clear yet that this will definitely be a winger, with Maresca and sporting director Hugo Viana flexible over their attack.

Star players on both sides will be eager to make their mark, and the individual duels across the pitch could go a long way to deciding the outcome. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Over the last couple of days, there has been talk of a new striker; Dusan Vlahovic is a name that has been mentioned.

Predicting an outright winner is no easy task given how little separates the two sides on paper. With the sides so closely matched, a 3-3 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. Whatever the outcome, the Queensland NPL fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".