Queensland Roar (0) v Sydney FC (0) (Minor semi-final, second leg)
So strong is this expectation of another goalless draw that Queensland coach Frank Farina has been preparing earnestly for penalties. Liam Reddy returns to the side in a move that will no doubt convince the home fans that they will be able to stop Sydney from scoring. However, they will definitely need to improve their finishing to get a result here. If it does go to penalties, the Queensland youngsters are sure to be tested and it’s unsure if this raw talent (pardon the pun) can handle that kind of pressure.

Juninho has been ruled out for Sydney, which is a worry to them. Apart from the fact he would have been one of the shootout penalty takers, he has been a vital cog in midfield when he’s been fit. Missing out on these crucial games could also affect whether he is offered a contract next season. Kosmina has also decided to drop the Brazilian Patrick, suggesting that he could be playing a defensive line-up for this match. One thing is for sure for Sydney - Alex Brosque will need a very large improvement on his last performance if they are to win this match.

Central Coast Mariners (0) Newcastle Jets (2) (Major semi-final, second leg)
Mariners fans will be pleased with the refereeing appointments for this match. Their fans have been dissatisfied this season with Matthew Breeze - and he's out of the country for a World Cup candidates' camp. On top of Breeze's absence, last week’s assistant Nathan Power has been dropped, and while the FFA won’t admit it's because of his mistake last week, it’s hard to see any other reason. The Mariners are surprisingly upbeat and believe that they can overturn the two-goal first-leg deficit. They are well aware of the task at hand, but with a spot in the Grand Final at stake, and knowing that if they lose they still have a chance, they’ll be going for this one from the opening whistle. Lawrie McKinna has made no changes.

'The Mariners are surprisingly upbeat and believe that they can overturn the two-goal first-leg deficit'

Newcastle have every reason to be confident. They are two goals in front and have enjoyed Gosford as of late. They are, however, not getting carried away. Manager Gary Van Egmond has spoken of the importance of not being complacent and aiming to score a third goal, so it’s clear this second leg will be an exciting match.

The Jets have added two to their squad. Korean Song Jin Hyung has been given his clearance for this second leg and will provide that unknown factor. Joel Griffiths picked up an injury in national team training, and is rated at most a 50-50 chance of playing on Sunday; as such, Denni has been drafted in as cover. It’s sure to be an exciting match in front of a big crowd; the biggest issue for the Mariners is the weather, with a deluge of rain on the Central Coast this week.

If it is a wet day it could prove difficult to score two goals, although they did do it against Wellington in similar conditions.