Refreshed from a weeks rest and ready to entertain the fans at Wanderland for the last time in 2015-16, Western Sydney brace themselves for a contest against the late show finals specialists.
The injury time drama that was the 2-1 comeback result over Melbourne Victory last weekend told us a few things about Brisbane Roar. Firstly, that there is still fight in the side yet, and that John Aloisi can manage an important game when it counts. Henrique was the only substitute brought on and after Berisha put the visitors in front with minutes to spare, he did not panic. The calm assurity in the team and the game plan was rewarded and they now enter this semi-final with confidence and momentum.
Thomas Broich has that sparkle in the eye once more and with a fresh striking talent in Jamie McLaren, there is substance to the style. Were it not for a Lawrence Thomas goalkeeping masterclass in the final round of the regular season, this fixture could well be played in the familiar comforts of Suncorp Stadium, a trip the Wanderers would surely have been dreading in a cut-throat atmosphere.
But Western Sydney are at home on merit. The 2-0 win a fortnight ago away to the Wellington Phoenix did not appear to be anything more than business is usual, yet it outlined how well oiled this machine is. Brendan Santalab’s double demonstrates that the front man is bang in form and the Roar defence will have to be switched on to balls over and through their back four on the break.
Finals football always comes down to nerve and who can hold theirs the best. Both outfits have experience and big game players, so the contest could well be decided on the younger brigade. On one hand, the Wanderers have Scott Neville, Andrew Redmayne and the Spaniards Dimas and Andreu that are unaccustomed to this type of environment.
Likewise in the orange camp with Corona, Jamie McLaren, Corey Brown and James Donachie. Will this be their time to step out of the shadows of Michael Theo, Shane Stefanutto and Berisha to carve out their own piece of championship history? Or will they fold and fall just short on the road again this campaign?
Key Battle – Romeo Castelen vs Corey Brown
Keep a close eye on the battle down the Wanderer’s right-flank. Scott Neville offers nothing going forward, putting all the emphasis and pressure on the Dutchman to deliver pace and crosses from the wide-flank.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
Corey Brown has struggled at times with his temper and marking, with the youngster still having nightmares from the run around dished out by Kosta Barbarouses last week. If Brown can keep a lid on the Wanderers most direct player, the Roar will be better placed to play the game on their terms.
Team News
Both Tony Popovic and John Aloisi have inflated their squads to boost options prior to game day. There are no serious injuries or suspensions to speak of, removing a potential excuse for either manager. Each team should remain unchanged. Jashua Sotirio and Jacob Pepper are brought in to the Wanderers squad, likewise Shane Stefanutto and Steven Lustica for the Brisbane Roar. One of the only doubts or talking points could be Aloisi’s decision on Tommy Oar, whose performance last weekend against the Victory left a lot to be desired. The flying winger has the quality to start a game of this magnitude, but match fitness could be a problem.
Head-To-Head
In 14 games with the Brisbane Roar, the record for the Wanderers cannot be split. six wins, six losses and two draws. In seven trips to Wanderland, the Queenslanders have only come out on top on two occasions.
Previous Meeting
Brisbane came back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 at Suncorp Stadium during their March 4th contest against the Wanderers. A Jamie McLaren brace and 83rd minute strike from Dimi Petratos added another late great comeback from the brink.
Prediction
History tells us that a top two team hosting a preliminary final always gets to progress. The games are also tight, filled with drama, a pinch of controversy and these clubs have experience of it all in droves. Under John Aloisi, the Roar had the opportunity to take the premiers plate at AAMI Park in the last round of the regular season and while an away trip to play the Victory is never a given, they bottled the chance. The Wanderers deserve to be narrow favourites, finding their form from two seasons ago to make Wanderland something of a fortress again.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 Brisbane Roar 0
*CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
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