Suncorp Stadium hosts Perth Glory as they take on the second-placed Brisbane Roar in a game that promises to be open and attacking.
After last week’s dour 0-0 draw with Sydney FC, the Roar will be looking to entertain their fans with an attacking display, minus the talents of Jamie Maclaren and Matt McKay. Perth come to the sunshine state fresh off a 2-0 loss to the Melbourne Victory in the FFA Cup grand final and will be looking to make amends and get their season back on track.
Key battle – Jade North v Richard Garcia
Where Richard Garcia plays along Perth Glory’s frontline is up for debate, especially due to the formation coach Kenny Lowe decides, with a front three meaning Garcia out wide, while the 4-4-2 would place him as one of the two strikers. However, no matter where he plays, the veteran of Brisbane’s defence, central defender Jade North will have his number. The two know each other from years in the A-league and Socceroos setup and will be keen to outplay each other, with personal pride taking precedence.
With Matt McKay away on international duty, North may be given the armband, creating even more of a rivalry as this matchup will see the two captains go face to face, as they look to lead by example.
Team news
Brisbane Roar have been hit hard by the timing of the international break with significant players and their involvement with the Olyroos and Socceroos forcing a few changes. Captain McKay, hotshot striker Maclaren and left back Corey Brown are all away, while the natural replacement striker Jean Carlos Solorzano has been ruled out with a hamstring injury for at least three weeks. This injury may however have a silver lining for the club, as it means young Nick D’Agostino has been called up to the squad, for his first taste of action since the Liverpool friendly. The young Gold Coast star scored a double in the opening weekend of the youth league and looks set to have a huge impact over the next few years.
This holds a selection dilemma for John Aloisi as he looks to how best replace Maclaren. While D’Agostino stands as a direct replacement as a centre forward, Dimitri Petratos could push up front and open up the midfield for Devante Clut. On the other hand, Brandon Borrello or Thomas Broich may be moved into the middle.
No matter how Aloisi goes about this decision, one thing is for sure, Brisbane will be hitting Perth with one of the fastest line-ups in the A-League, and that may prove to be a huge issue for a team that has at times looked lethargic this season. To compound their misery, Perth will be missing Josh Risdon at full back as he is in the Socceroos camp, leaving a gaping hole at the back.
Brisbane Roar Expected XI (4-3-3): Young, Hingert, Bowles, North, Stefanutto, Lustica, Clut, Corona, Broich, Petratos, Borello
Perth Glory Expected XI (4-3-3): Covic, Warren, Thwaite, Djulbic, Golec, Gligor, Ferreira, Marinkovic, Castro, Sidnei, Garcia
Head-to-head
Overall, Brisbane have played Perth 31 times, emerging winners 17 times compared to only six wins for Perth. Only eight games between these two teams have ended in a draw.
Previous meeting
The previous game between these two teams resulted in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with many goals, something the fans will no doubt be hoping for again come Sunday.
Prediction
With Brisbane missing a host of key players Perth will feel like they have a high chance of getting the win, with practically a full strength team at their disposal. However, Brisbane’s replacements will be itching for a chance to show their ability, with match day minutes being few and far between this season due to Brisbane’s unbelievable start the season. This should lead to a compelling game as players look to show their skills and push for a regular place, while Perth are already playing for their season.
Brisbane Roar 2 Perth Glory 1
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