Wellington Phoenix’s bright start to the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season will get a stern test when they face Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Mark Rudan’s men have gained a lot of belief after their opening round win over Newcastle Jets and in Roy Krishna have a striker who has scored three goals in his last four games against the Roar.
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Brisbane were pretty impressive in their opening round draw against the Central Coast and would have registered a big win if they were a touch more clinical in front of goal.
Home form is always important in the Hyundai A-League and Roar will be keen to give their supporters all three points on Sunday.
‘It’s only the beginning’: Roy Krishna is focused on more wins after making @WgtnPhoenixFC history – https://t.co/CmbAqovlcJ #ALeague #BRIvWEL
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) October 23, 2018
KEY OPTA STATS
- The last three games between Brisbane Roar and Wellington Phoenix have ended in draws; the last time the match ended with a winner was the last time these two teams played at Suncorp Stadium (Round 27, 2016/17).
- Wellington will be looking to open their campaign with two wins for the first time in the history of the Hyundai A-League, after defeating the Newcastle Jets last weekend.
- Roar’s Adam Taggart has scored six goals in his last four games; he’s got on the scoresheet in three successive appearances against Wellington Phoenix (four goals).
WHAT THEY SAID
“Wellington as a side seem to have recruited well. They’ve definitely improved on what they were the last season or last few years. I think they’ll be a strong side. We know what they can do, we’ve already started looking at how we’re going to exploit them and their strengths and weaknesses.” – Roar striker Adam Taggart
“Everyone is working for each other, especially in the defensive end. You can see a lot of positives. People are saying some great stuff about us but it’s only the beginning. My main focus is on Brisbane and I can’t wait to get out there with the boys again this weekend.” – Phoenix attacker Roy Krishna
INS AND OUTS
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 4.Daniel BOWLES, 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 9.Adam TAGGART, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 13.Stefan MAUK, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 15.Stefan NIGRO, 17.Matt MCKAY (c), 19.Jack HINGERT, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS (promoted), 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 2.Dane INGHAM (ankle – 2 weeks),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee – TBC)
Wellington Phoenix Squad: 1.Filip KURTO (Gk), 4.Mandi, 5.Ryan LOWRY, 6.Dylan FOX, 8.Mitch NICHOLS, 9.Nathan BURNS, 11.David WILLIAMS, 13.Liberato CACACE, 14.Alex RUFER, 15.Michal KOPCZYNSKI, 16.Louis FENTON, 18.Sarpreet SINGH, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Oliver SAIL (Gk), 21.Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (C), 23.Max BURGESS, 27.Steven TAYLOR
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 6.Dylan FOX (promoted), 15.Michal KOPCZYNSKI (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: Nil
FORM
Brisbane Roar: D
Wellington Phoenix: W
HOW TO WATCH
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to see Roar’s battle with Phoenix, with kick off at 5.00pm (AEDT), or stream the match live on the MyFootball Live App.
TICKETS
You can secure your tickets to the opening match of Round 2 here.