Third-placed Brisbane Roar travel to Parramatta for what promises to be a tasty clash against the second-placed Western Sydney Wanderers this Saturday night.
The Wanderers are the form team of the competition, notching up a fifth straight win against the Central Coast Mariners last weekend. Emerging as a genuine title threat, the club’s new attacking style will be put to the test against an equally threatening Brisbane Roar.
Only a point short of the Wanderers, John Aloisi’s side will be determined to secure a win and leapfrog their opponents on the A-League ladder. The Roar are undefeated for five matches and will take confidence from their recent favourable record against Western Sydney.
Key Battle – Andreu vs Corona
The midfield battle proves to be a particularly fascinating one, as two of the most impressive signings of the season are poised to face off at Pirtek stadium this weekend.
Corona shined against the Wanderers in the opening round of the A-League, although he had a poor game last weekend against the Newcastle Jets. His ability to influence the match will depend on whether Aloisi facilitates a shuffle in tactics and how effectively the Wanderers can stifle him in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, fellow Spaniard Andreu will no doubt attempt to display his impressive passing range once again in the Wanderers midfield. The midfielder has started every game of the season so far and has proved an integral cog in the Wanderers new possession-based style.
Team News
Although included in the squad for this match, it is doubtful that Mark Bridge will start for the Wanderers after being withdrawn last minute from last weekend’s clash against the Central Coast Mariners. Australian marquee Dario Vidosic also came off with an injury complaint against the Mariners and may be replaced by Jaushua Sotirio in the starting line up. Italian striker Federico Piovaccari may be a chance to lead the line after his absence last round.
Western Sydney Wanderers Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Redmayne (GK); Jamieson, Topor-Stanley, Alberto, Neville; Dimas, Andreu; Castelen, Nicholls, Sotirio; Piovacarri.
Spanish signing Javier Hervas has been ruled out with muscle stiffness for the match against Western Sydney, while goalkeeper Michael Theo also remains sidelined. It seems likely that Henrique will serve as a super-sub once again given the surplus of attacking options available to John Aloisi.
Brisbane Roar Expected XI (4-3-3): Young (GK); Hingert, Bowles, North, Stefanutto; Petratos, McKay, Corona; Borrello, Maclaren, Broich.
Head-to-Head
The Roar and Wanderers have both won five apiece in this fixture, with two draws eventuating between the clubs.
Last Meeting
In the opening round of the 2015-16 A-League campaign Brisbane Roar registered a resounding 3-1 victory over the Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium. Jamie Maclaren impressed the most, securing a brace in his A-League debut for the Roar.
Prediction
Although sure to be a fascinating match, it is likely that a stalemate will eventuate between these third and second placed clubs.
Western Sydney Wanderers 1 Brisbane Roar 1
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