Brisbane Roar welcomes table topping Western Sydney Wanderers in a clash that will have a big say on the Premiers Plate.
After being humiliated once again by Adelaide United, the Roar will be glad to return home to Suncorp Stadium and their own fans, however a bad result here and eyebrows may begin to be raised about their title credentials.
The visitors will be looking to continue their march toward the Premiers Plate and a victory would do wonders to their chances of sealing top spot wonders.
Key Battle – Corona vs Mitch Nichols
Since leaving the club Mitch Nichols has become notorious throughout Brisbane for having the ability to pop up and notoriously score against his former employers.
Nichols, who represents decent value at $8.60 to score the first goal of the match, has taken his game to a new level, thriving in the rigid surroundings of Western Sydney under the tutelage of coach Tony Popovic. He is the club’s equal leading scorer along with Mark Bridge with nine goals, while he has four assists. However, his movement throughout the midfield and ability to work box-to-box has seen him become integral to the Western Sydney lineup.
CrownBet match odds at the time of publishing
Western Sydney Wanderers – $2.68
Corona stands as his adversary for this clash. The Spaniard had arguably his worst game of the season last week against Adelaide United, being at fault for one of the goals and being completely overrun in midfield. His passing was found wanting and his tendency to hold onto the ball for a touch too long did not help his cause.
Against Western Sydney he will not be afforded any time at all. The Wanderers are renowned for their tenacity and hardworking attitude for the entire game. The 35-year-old will be up against one of the form midfielders in the game, and it will be imperative for him to stop the supply and protect the Roar defence, otherwise they could find themselves in a spot of bother.
Team News
All eyes have been on Roar this week, with the signing of Socceroo Tommy Oar. The club’s former young gun has decided to return to his original club, in what could be viewed as Thomas Broich’s long-term replacement.
Captain Matt McKay is in doubt for the game as his wife is expecting their child at any moment, leaving him in limbo.
Brisbane’s shaky defence, having conceded nine in the last two games, could mean that veteran Shane Stefautto will be lucky to keep his place after a couple of dismal displays.
Romeo Castelen’s return to goalscoring form will continue in an otherwise fully strength team, with no expected changes from last week’s game.
Brisbane Roar Expected XI (4-3-3): Young, Hingert, Bowles, North, Brown, Petratos, Lustica, Corona, Broich, Maclaren, Borrello
Western Sydney Wanderers XI (4-3-3): Reddy, Jamieson, Topo-Stanley, Aguilar, Neville, Dimas, Nichols, Andreu, Castelen, Bridge, Vidosic
Head-to-Head
These two clubs have faced each other on 13 occasions, with Western Sydney Wanderers coming out ahead with six wins to Brisbane’s five.
However, Brisbane Roar have won four of their last six A-League matches including play offs against Western Sydney Wanderers but in doing so have managed to lose two of their last three.
If you fancy a flutter on this match, then the both teams to score market at $1.48 looks a real possibility considering attacking firepower and history, with both teams scoring in their past three encounters.
Previous Meeting
Western Sydney edged their opponents 2-1 last time out in a pulsating encounter. Mark Bridge gave the Wanderers the lead before Jamie Maclaren struck an impressive equaliser to ensure his side were level at the break. However, it was Nichols who would have the last say with 10 minutes left to seal a crucial win for Western Sydney.
Prediction
After a horror show over the last fortnight, Brisbane will be happy to be home. There is no better place for Brisbane to find form, as they have won eight and drawn two of their last 11 matches at Suncorp Stadium.
However this will count for nothing when the Wanderers come to town. Brisbane will have to plug their defence, look to attack the wings and hope Maclaren has his scoring boots on – at $3.90 to be Brisbane’s first goalscorer is a logical choice – to stand any chance against a Western Sydney team driven by their desire to win the league.
The Wanderers are the masters of grinding out results, and it will be hard for Brisbane to find the win they need, even with their home ground advantage.
Brisbane Roar 1 Western Sydney Wanderers 2
*CrownBet odds correct at time of publishing and subject to change.
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