CASINO and Italo Stars will both be looking to pull away from the relegation danger zone when they meet at Colley Park, Casino, tonight in Far North Coast premier league soccer.

With Casino just three points clear of last-placed Lennox Head and two points ahead of Stars, both need points to ease the pressure.

There were good signs for both sides last week, with the Cobras notching their second win, 4-1 over Lennox, and Stars drawing 2-all with a strong Lismore Workers line-up.

While Casino are always harder to beat on home soil, their cause will not be helped by the absence of several key players.

Top scorer Dean Casey will be missing, along with another of their best performers in midfielder Joseph Ervin.

With flanker Jack Walker suspended and doubts over Jordan Huxley, Cobras coach Shane Hogan will be forced to shuffle his line-up.

In contrast, Stars will be able to run on an unchanged side for the first time this season.

Captain Clint Willoughby and midfield partner Damien Keevers give them plenty of experience and quality in the middle of the paddock, while at the back Dane Muldoon and Robert Veil are combining well.

Big striker Shaun McDonald will look to ruffle the Cobras' defence and with flankers Reggie Sharp and Thomas Henry in support, Stars have a variety of styles and scoring options.

"We're targeting wins in both grades this week and next when we play Lennox Head, to give us a bit of momentum," Stars coach Rick Austen said.

One other match will be played tonight, with Bangalow hot favourites to move up to third place with a home win over a struggling Lennox Head.

Both games will kick off at 8pm.

LADDER

Goonellabah 21

Richmond Rovers 19 (deferred game in hand)

Byron Bay 17

Bangalow 15 (deferred game in hand)

Lismore Thistles 12

Lismore Workers 11

Alstonville 6

Casino United 6

Italo Stars 4

Lennox Head 3