IT'S D-Day for Gold Coast first division hopefuls Tweed Heads.

Their destiny is in their own hands against United Eagles at Lex Bell Oval this afternoon.

If they want to play any part in the semi-finals – a position they should have ensured a month back – they must topple their fellow finals contenders.

United, too, will be desperate for all three points, with victory ensuring it remains in the hunt for the minor premiership entering next week's season-ending round.

“It's up to us, it's our pride on the line,” coach Roger Hoy said.

“It's bad enough we're even in this position, we should already be there in the first place.”

Always a hard-fought fan-favourite, only one goal separated the two sides when they met at Arkinstall Park in round eight, with United prevailing 2-1 after surviving several pepperings.

For Tweed to overcome the second-placed side, who last year unsuccessfully played out a promotion-relegation series with the Tweed Valley Kings, it must unite and overcome a slump.

“I can't see us not being able to beat United, but we must perform,” Hoy said.

“The boys need to want to be in the finals, play for each other and believe in themselves.

“We'll definitely have a better squad out there than we did last week but we'll still be three down.”

The action begins at 3pm.

When the final whistle blows, all eyes will be on the result of the clash between Merrimac (first) and Griffith Uni (fourth) with that result potentially having much bearing on the top four.

“Ideally we beat United today while Merrimac do Griffith, climb back into the four while Merrimac secure the flag, and then tackle Merrimac next week while their resting players for the finals,” Hoy said.

Elsewhere, Kingscliff host Mudgeeraba at 5pm, while Burleigh Heads meet Musgrave and Tugun take on Robina City.