LEAGUE position and form will count for little on Friday night as bayside bragging rights go on the line in the National Premier Leagues.
Capalaba FC and Redlands United - the region's sole representatives in Queensland's premier football competition - go toe-to-toe at Cleveland's Compass Grounds in their first clash of the year.
The Capalaba outfit completed a perfect sweep in the two clashes between the clubs last season, winning both meetings 3-0, despite ultimately finishing the campaign lower on the table than the Red Devils.
However, with off-season clear-outs at both clubs, that record offers little guide to what will unfold come kick-off despite the eighth placed Bulldogs currently sitting seven points clear of Redlands on the league table.
Recently returned Bulldog Luis Ruiz has played for both clubs over the years and said he has no doubt about the depth of feeling in the local derby.
"I know exactly what this game means," he said.
"It doesn't matter where you are on the table, the derby always feels like a final.
"We are mentally and physically prepared for that and to get the three points on Friday night."
He is not the only former Redlands player lining up for David McEvoy's side, with leading goal scorer Kado Aoci and last weekend's player of the match Matty Gordon also turning out for the Red Devils in recent seasons.
A win for the Bulldogs would extend their unbeaten run to three matches in the league - a feat they are yet to achieve since being promoted to the National Premier Leagues for the 2020 season.
Also aiming to extend a run of results are the Bulldogs women's side, who face a tricky away trip to in-form Souths United on Sunday evening.
With a trio of Brisbane Roar players joining the squad in recent weeks, Archie Kahondo's side have won three on the trot to storm to a season's high fifth on the table despite skipper Billie Murphy continuing to be sidelined by injury.
A win on Sunday at Wakerley Park will see them leapfrog Souths into the competition's top four and potentially move as high as third depending on other results.
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