Soccer: Unbeaten run on the line

With the survival cord stretched almost to breaking point, tonight's Australian National Soccer League clash between the Football Kingz and the Brisbane Strikers at Ericsson Stadium is vital for both sides.

Separated by just a point in the middle of the table, the transtasman rivals go into the game - the first at home for the Kingz in a month - as two of the form teams in the competition.

The Strikers have won three of their last four, including a particularly helpful victory over leaders South Melbourne.

The Kingz have not been beaten in four weeks, although a couple of draws have not really helped their survival hopes.

After being sidelined for last week's 2-2 away draw with the Melbourne Knights, inspirational player-coach Wynton Rufer is set to join Dennis Ibrahim in spearheading the Kingz attack.

In a surprise switch, established sweeper Levent Osman is set to start the match on the substitutes' bench, with Sean Douglas moving to the central defensive role and Chris Jackson, who played in the midfield last week, dropping back to take Douglas' spot in the defence.

Midfielder Jeff Campbell, forced to cry off with a groin injury at halftime against the Knights, has been replaced by Jonathan Perry.

Goalkeeper Julio Cuello, who has made a pretty good fist of his chance in the last couple of games, missed training early in the week with a boil-type leg injury, but he should be fit.

"His confidence is high and he certainly was not to blame for the two goals we let in last week," assistant coach Shane Rufer said.

"He had the confidence to come out of his area, which shows he is playing well.

"We need to aim for the maximum 18 points from our last six games, but even that might not be enough to get us into the top six."

The match starts at 7.30.