It’s largely been a season of woe for both Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers so far in 2018/19 but Friday night’s clash at Suncorp Stadium gives one that chance to look ahead with a bit more optimism.
While the top six looks a long way off for both clubs right now, winning momentum can change things quickly making this a vital three points up for grabs.
Roar have endured a torrid run since their only win of the campaign back in Round 5, managing just two draws in their last 10 matches.
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The 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Melbourne Victory aside, Roar have been in almost every match recently but have lacked the composure and defensive stability to get over the line for a win.
They head into this one just a point behind a Wanderers outfit on the end of a club record six straight defeats following Tuesday night’s heart-breaking 4-3 loss to Melbourne City.
It’s no surprise Western Sydney issues are at the back, with coach Markus Babbel admitting his side “can’t defend” in the wake of their late capitulation against City.
The Wanderers also have an issue late in games, conceding eight goals in the last 11 minutes in their last four outings.
Roar striker Adam Taggart is chasing a milestone in this clash, needing one more goal to get to 50 in the Hyundai A-League.
Key Opta stats
- Western Sydney Wanderers will be aiming for back-to-back Hyundai A-League wins at Suncorp Stadium for the first time since January 2013 after earning a 2-0 victory in Round 14 last season.
- Brisbane Roar have conceded 13 goals in their last three Hyundai A-League games at Suncorp Stadium; eight of which came in the second halves of those fixtures.
- The Roar have conceded six penalties so far this campaign, more than any other team, while no team has won more than the Wanderers (6).
Ins and outs
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 2.Dane INGHAM, 3.Luke DEVERE, 4.Daniel BOWLES, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 9.Adam TAGGART, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 15.Stefan NIGRO, 18.Joe CALETTI, 19.Jack HINGERT, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE, 34.Aaron REARDON, 35.Jay BARNETT **two to be omitted**
Ins: 14.Alex LOPEZ (promoted), 15.Stefan NIGRO (promoted), 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO (promoted), 34.Aaron REARDON (promoted), 35.Jay BARNETT (promoted)
Outs: 8.Jacob PEPPER (suspended – 1 match), 11.Eric BAUTHEAC (suspended – 1 match), 17.Matt McKay (suspended – 1 match)
Unavailable: 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS (glute),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13.Stefan MAUK (groin)
Western Sydney Wanderers FC: 5.Brendan HAMILL (c), 7.Nick FITZGERALD, 8.Jordan O’DOHERTY, 9.Oriol RIERA, 11.Bruce KAMAU, 13.Tass MOURDOUKOUTAS, 14.Mathieu CORDIER, 16.Jaushua SOTIRIO, 18.Marc TOKICH, 20.Vedran JANJETOVIC (gk), 21.Tarek ELRICH, 22.Rashid MAHAZI, 24.Raul LLORENTE, 27.Kwame YEBOAH, 28.Roly BONEVACIA, 33.Tate RUSSELL, 40.Nicholas SUMAN (gk), 49.Abraham MAJOK. **two to be omitted**
Ins: 5.Brendan HAMILL (promoted), 22.Rashid MAHAZI (promoted), 27.Kwame YEBOAH (promoted)
Outs: 17.Keanu BACCUS (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: 4.Josh RISDON (international duty), 10.Alex BAUMJOHANN (injury – three weeks), 19.Mark BRIDGE (injury – two weeks)
How to watch
Tune in to FOX SPORTS 505 to catch the Friday night fixture, which kicks off at 7:50pm (AEDT). You can also stream the match on the MyFootball Live App, which is live, fast and data-free for Telstra mobile customers.
Tickets
CLICK HERE to secure your ticket at Suncorp Stadium as Brisbane Roar host Western Sydney Wanderers as both clubs llook to end their long winless runs.
