Brisbane Roar return to Suncorp Stadium with the chance of entering the penultimate round atop the A-League ladder, should they be able to meet the challenge of the inconsistent Sydney FC.
Key battle – Brandon Borrello vs Rhyan Grant
While there are many key battles across the field throughout this clash, the match-up of Rhyan Grant and Brandon Borrello poses many interesting issues that will go a long way in deciding the result.
Firstly, it will be interesting to see if the lack of Jack Hingert on the right side of Brisbane’s line-up will have an adverse effect on Borrello’s game. The two have created an intrinsic relationship this season, driving much of Brisbane’s attack and taking the Roar’s game to a new level. With Hingert suspended this week, Borrello may be found wanting without his partner in crime.
Secondly, Grant’s tendency to push forward will have to be kept in check. The Sydney player has been known to join the attack at every opportunity, due to his high energy levels and spirit. Borrello’s speed on the counter will rise to prominence in this match-up should Grant be caught out of position. This will mean Sydney need to communicate all game, creating a strong connection across their backline in order to combat this threat.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
Team news
The biggest issue for Brisbane this game is how to replace the suspended Jack Hingert. Brisbane’s right-back was sent-off last week against Melbourne City after giving away a rash penalty and has now caused a major selection headache for coach John Aloisi.
This stems from the lack of replacements for the role within the squad. Jerome Polenz has been frozen out of the team, meaning it will be up to Aloisi to either move Daniel Bowles to right-back and draft in the promoted James Donachie in the centre of defence, or vice versa. Aloisi may lean towards keeping the central pairing of Jade North and Bowles together, to create a sense of continuity, so it may well be Donachie who replaces Hingert out wide.
Matt McKay represents the other loss for the Roar after being called up late to the Socceroos squad, meaning Steven Lustica may finally get another chance in the starting line-up, an opportunity he will be thankful for with the finals series just around the corner.
For Sydney, Matt Jurman and Milos Ninkovic return from injury as they look to inspire a team void of confidence in the A-League and with both eyes firmly fixed on the next Asian Champions League clash on April 5th.
Head-to-head
Overall, Brisbane come out ahead in terms of the two teams head to head meetings across the 35 games, with 14 wins to Sydney’s 10, with 11 games having ended in a draw.
Previous meeting
Last time these two teams met it finished with Brisbane as 3-1 winners. A double to Maclaren and a rare goal to McKay gave the Roar a well-deserved win. Only an own goal from Corona provided Sydney with any respite on the scoresheet in a disappointing night for the Sky Blues.
Prediction
Brisbane will be looking to utilise their home comforts and get all three points out of this fixture. While last week was not the desired result, the combination of Suncorp Stadium and first place up for grabs means Brisbane should be primed and ready for a big game. For Sydney they will need to be on their game, working towards future AFC fixtures, otherwise the score may get ugly.
Brisbane Roar 3 Sydney FC 1
*CrownBet match odds at time of publishing are subject to change
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