Jamie Maclaren and Bruno Fornaroli are set to face off in Friday night’s blockbuster when City host Brisbane with the young Roar forward aiming to keep in touch with the Uruguayan ace in the Golden Boot standings.
The league leaders Roar travel to Melbourne to face fourth-placed City at AAMI Park on Friday night football.
And with the sub-text of a Golden Boot showdown between Maclaren (17 goals) and Fornaroli (20), interest is huge in this Round 24 clash.
Maclaren was full of praise for what his fellow marksman had achieved this season but was more concerned with getting the three points than closing ground on Fornaroli’s 20 goal mark.
“He’s had a fantastic season – let’s get that straight,” Maclaren told Brisbane’s Courier Mail (www.couriermail.com.au).
“He’s on three goals more than me, and it’s a credit to him and the service he’s getting.
“It’s going to be a big test for us, but if we want to show that we mean business then we’ve got to put in a good show and get a result.”
Brisbane claimed the points the last time the side’s met with Fornaroli getting his name on the scoresheet in Roar’s 3-1 home win.
While John Aloisi’s side have at times failed to bring their sparkling home form on the road this season, Friday night’s match will give Maclaren a chance to perform in his hometown.
“There’s Mum, Dad, my brother, my sister, cousins, friends … that’s where I’m from,” said Maclaren.
“I’ve got no family anywhere else in Australia. I’ll be asking for about 15-plus tickets.”
Maclaren’s exploits this season have him firmly in the frame for Socceroos selection and while he has plans to one day play overseas the former Glory striker was emphatic he made the right decision when choosing a new club last season.
“Moving to Brisbane is the best thing I’ve ever done,” said Maclaren.
“I haven’t looked back since round one when I scored two goals [against Western Sydney Wanderers].”
