Brisbane Roar face the Newcastle Jets in the final round of the 2014/15 regular A-League season with their finals place already assured, while Phil Stubbins will be looking to do everything he can to make sure his team avoids the wooden spoon.
After a morale boosting Asian Champions League win midweek, and a promising performance from the youth players last weekend, Brisbane Roar’s outlook is starting to look positive once more. Confidence is growing around the club and fans are waiting to see if the young players can provide the entertainment for another week in a row.
On the other hand, after a forgettable season, Newcastle only have pride to play for. Off the field issues have transpired into on-field problems, holding back the development of the squad. This game represents a chance for their to snatch ninth position form the Wanderers and cast a little light over the off-season clouds that have begun to circle.
Western Sydney will also watch this game with interest as they wait to see the team Brisbane plays, in the hope some more first team players see game time. People have questioned coach Frans Thijssen’s reasoning behind the team, and the respect he is paying towards the league, however, there will never be a better time to allow the young players first team opportunities
Key Battle – Taylor Regan vs Jean Carlos Solorzano
This game represents an opportunity for both players to assert their authority as an A-League player and finish the regular season on a high. Regan has been a pillar for the club this campaign, oozing Newcastle and playing with his heart on his sleeve. He, as much as every other teammate, will not want to have the ignominy of finishing in last place, providing another incentive to gain three points.
Solorzano will view this game as a chance to remind Thijssen of his strengths and qualities. He may not have the superior goal scoring record such as Andrija Kaluderovic, but he must believe that a strong performance here will place him in high regard for next weeks finals fixture. Whether or not the Costa Rican starts at striker will be interesting to see, with the likes of Patrick Theodore in the squad, however, no doubt the front three will look to interchange positions, allowing Solorzano some time as the main attacking outlet.
https://youtu.be/uVgdMntBmYM
Team News
Brisbane Roar look set to field another very youthful looking line-up for the second game in a row. Michael Theo makes a much-awaited return to the first team squad, however, it looks increasingly likely that he will miss out to Jamie Young who has been much improved over the later stages of the season. Shane Steffanuto and Luke DeVere continue to be absent through injury.
Brisbane Roar expected XI (4-3-3): Young, Polenz, Bowles, Jackson, Lambadaridis, Sarota, Lustica, Petratos, Brady, Solorzano, Theodore
For Newcastle, Zenon Caravella will not get a starting berth in his final game for the club, after it was announced he will not be a Jets player next season. Stubbins looks likely to stick with a similar team that did so well against Sydney FC.
Newcastle Jets expected XI (4-3-3): Kennedy, Lee Ki-Je, Regan, Mullen, Cowburn, Cooper, Welsh, Pepper, Hoole, Montano, Alivodic
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Head-to-head
Brisbane and Newcaslte have played each other 31 times, with both clubs recording 12 wins each, leaving the other seven fixtures all square.
Prediction
Newcastle will be desperate to finish the season on a high, and the reigning champions home ground is a satisfying location to accomplish this, however the young Brisbane team will be ecstatic to get another chance on the main stage in front of a vocal home crowd, meaning a close win is on the cards for a Roar team that looks too good for the Newcastle jets.
Brisbane Roar 2 Newcastle Jets 1
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