Olyroos absences
International duty always impacts the top sides in the A-league, with the loss of depth and ambition from the influential youngsters often affecting the outcome of big clashes. As the latest Olyroos absences hit both Melbourne Victory (5) and Brisbane Roar (3) quite hard, Friday night’s encounter will be no exception. In particular the Roar will be hugely affected by the loss of Jamie MacLaren and Brandon Borello, with the dynamic duo proving to be two of the league’s most impressive young players this campaign. While Jason Geria and Scott Galloway’s call-ups leave the hosts with holes in defence. Given the importance of both sides’ internationals, Olyroos duty is guaranteed to affect Friday’s blockbuster.
Kevin Muscat’s ‘ten match-fit’ players
With reigning champions Victory currently in a mid-season form slump and facing league leaders Brisbane Roar, five absences through international call-ups couldn’t come at a worse time. Despite boasting a plethora of experienced talent up front the side’s depth issues will be on display this Friday with coach Kevin Muscat telling the media: “we are down to 10 match-fit bodies”. The Victorian’s defence being the hardest hit; with the exception of Connor Pain, all of Melbourne’s seven unavailable players this weekend play in a defensive capacity, placing an enormous amount of pressure on those ‘match-fit’ players and the side’s front line.
Brisbane’s shot stopper
After a lengthy stay on the sidelines through injury, Brisbane glove man Michael Theo will make his long awaited return this Friday. Although the role in which the veteran goalkeeper will play is yet to be confirmed, the importance of an experienced shot stopper will be significant this weekend, thanks to the sizeable holes left in both sides through injury and international duty. To make up for a depleted defence, hosts Melbourne will likely play a highly attacking game, which in combination with Brisbane’s missing front men, Maclaren and Borello, will place heightened pressure and significance on the Roar’s goalkeeper. Begging the question, will John Aloisi back a newly fit but infinitely experienced Theo, or stick with the solidity of Jamie Young?
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