Brisbane Roar host Wellington Phoenix at Cazaly Stadium, Cairns, in a crucial match for both sides.
This game could go a long way to deciding who can carry their momentum into the festive period and put pressure on the teams above them.
Questions have been raised regarding the afternoon kickoff time in tropical conditions, with extreme humidity likely to hinder the players.
The local fans will be hoping for an open affair, and to put aside the past two weeks of conflict and focus purely on football once again.
Key Battle –Jack Hingert v Michael McGlinchey
The front third of Wellington Phoenix has been working a treat in recent weeks, with Michael McGlinchey, Roy Krishna and Roly Bonevacia all interlocking with great success. While the three look to mix and match positions, creating a very fluid attack, McGlinchy will often look to cross and cut in on the left hand side.
This is where the role Jack Hingert plays becomes central to the success of the Roar. The 25-year-old is one of the side’s most improved players, and a vital part of John Aloisi’s squad, constantly providing an attacking outlet while finding a solid defensive balance. It will be integral for Hingert to control McGlinchey and trying his best not to give away free-kicks in dangerous areas. Brisbane paid the price for this issue in the last game and will hope they have learned their lesson.
For McGlinchey, it will be imperative to stop Hingert from pushing forward, nullifying his strong relationship with Brandon Borrello and pressuring the defence into restricting their short passing game.
Team News
For Brisbane, Jean Carlos Solorzano and Javier Hervas return to the first team, having finally recovered from injury.
Michael Theo continues to receive treatment, meaning he will miss this clash, leaving Jamie Young in goals. Luke DeVere also remains sidelined with a quad strain for two weeks.
Wellington will likely field the same XI that comfortably defeated Victory last week.
Andrew Durante continues to recover from a long-term injury and therefore may not start this game, but increased minutes will lead to his eventual return to the heart of defence.
The match comes too soon for midfielder Vince Lia, who misses a muscle tear.
Brisbane Roar Expected XI (4-3-3): Young, Hingert, Bowles, North, Steffanutto, Lustica, McKay, Corona, Broich, Maclaren, Borrello
Wellington Phoenix Expected XI (4-3-3): Moss, Doyle, Durante, Muscat, Fenton, Alex Rodriguez, Riera, Lia, McGlinchy, Krishna, Bonevacia
Head-to-Head
These two teams have met on 25 occasions, with Brisbane emerging the winners on a staggering 15 occasions, while Wellington have only won five.
Previous Meeting
Wellington emerged 3-2 winners in their previous encounter at Westpac Stadium on Matchday 3 in late October. Some hap-hazard defending from Brisbane and a McGlinchey masterclass from the dead ball, ensured that Wellington would take maximum points in an enthralling end-to-end affair.
Prediction
Neutral territory means that this, in theory, should be an evenly poised clash. Wellington will be desperate to use their impressive win against Victory as a platform for sustained form . On the other hand, Roar will look to bounce back to winning ways, following their defeat to Western Sydney last time out. For two teams who are play some of the most attractive football in the league it promises plenty of goalmouth action, but they may have to settle for a share of the spoils in the end.
Brisbane Roar 2 Wellington Phoenix 2
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