Brisbane skipper Matt Smith admits a week off before Sunday’s semi-final against Melbourne Victory may not be that much of an advantage for the premiers.
Brisbane skipper Matt Smith admits a week off before Sunday’s semi-final against Melbourne Victory may not be that much of an advantage for the Hyundai A-League premiers.
Roar is the only one of the four clubs remaining in the A-League who isn’t taking part in an AFC Champions League clash this week ahead of the sudden-death finals matches.
After finishing with the Premiers’ Plate Brisbane also had last weekend off meaning they will have gone more than two weeks without a game before they face Victory at Suncorp Stadium this Sunday at 5pm.
In contrast, Victory had a cut-throat semi-final win over Sydney FC last Friday and they were in action in the ACL on Tuesday night before heading to Brisbane.
While most will believe Roar should be fresh and therefore have an advantage for the finals, Smith doesn’t subscribe to that theory.
The classy central defender would much prefer to continue playing games and credits the club-s involvement in the ACL for their title success in 2012.
“When we done it a couple of years ago, we used it as a positive,” Smith told reporters on Tuesday.
“You’re playing in semi-final football; you’re playing in potentially grand final football; you’re playing in Asia.
“For us, when we were playing in the Champions League, that brought us together and made us stronger.
“Knowing a lot of their players at the other clubs, they’ll be looking forward to the challenge.
“They’re gaining some great performances and I think that’ll add to them coming into the game.”
That’s not to say Roar isn’t confident of getting the job done against Victory and moving into their third A-League decider in four years.
Mike Mulvey’s side have won two of three meetings with Victory this season and are unbeaten in six previous finals at Suncorp.
Sunday’s clash is also the first time striker Besart Berisha will take on Victory since he signed for the club for next season.
While the Albanian’s season has been blighted by three red cards, Smith is confident Berisha will have no problems in the finals and insists his focus will be on the job at hand.
“I’m very much looking forward to seeing him play,” Smith said of Roar’s star striker.
“I know that he’s really excited about the game and wants to perform well.”
Hyundai A-League 2014 Semi Final 1
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Sunday 27 April 2014
Kick-off 5.00pm (AEST)
