Time is fast running out for Brisbane Roar to mount a push for the top six, making Friday night’s clash against Melbourne City at AAMI Park a must-win clash.
While Roar have picked up just one win in three matches under interim boss Darren Davies, their performances have certainly warranted better.
That was definitely the case on Sunday when they looked on course for a shock win, leading league-leaders Perth Glory 2-0 at the break.
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But a penalty – and red card to Daniel Bowles – turned the match in Glory’s favour and Roar were on the end of a 4-2 defeat.
Davies’ main task this week could be lifting the spirits and confidence of his squad for the trip south.
City are enjoying a good run of form right now, with Sunday’s come-from-behind 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets stretching their unbeaten run to four matches.
Warren Joyce’s side have been more methodical than magical but they continue to pick up points and remain in striking distance of the top three.
They’ll see this clash – and next Wednesday’s trip to Central Coast – as a big opportunity to pick up maximum points.
But it should be pointed out that Roar’s only win for the season so far did come against City, a 2-0 win at Suncorp Stadium in Round 5 thanks to Adam Taggart’s brace.
Key Opta stats
- Brisbane Roar are winless in their last seven games heading into this fixture (D1, L6) – they have never previously gone eight games without a win in the Hyundai A-League.
- Melbourne City are undefeated in their last 11 Hyundai A-League games against Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park (W8, D3), their last and only loss to them at the venue coming back in November 2010.
- Roar’s Adam Taggart has scored more goals against Melbourne City (8) than he has against any other Hyundai A-League opposition, including a brace earlier this season.
Ins and outs
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 2.Ritchie De LAET, 3.Scott JAMIESON (c) , 4.Harrison DELBRIDGE, 5.Bart SCHENKEVELD, 6.Osama MALIK, 7.Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 8.Riley MCGREE, 10.Dario VIDOSIC, 13.Nathaniel ATKINSON, 15.Kearyn BACCUS, 18.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 19.Lachlan WALES, 21.Ramy NAJJARINE, 22.Curtis GOOD, 26.Luke BRATTAN, 34.Connor METCALFE, 36.Dylan PIERIAS **two to be omitted**
Ins: 7.Rostyn GRIFFITHS (returns from suspension), 10.Dario VIDOSIC (returns from injury)
Outs: nil
Unavailable: 27.Florin BERENGUER-BOHRER (calf)
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 2.Dane INGHAM, 3.Luke DEVERE, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 9.Adam TAGGART, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 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.Nick D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE, 34.Aaron REARDON **two to be omitted**
Ins: 3.Luke DEVERE (promoted), 15.Stefan NIGRO (promoted), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN (promoted)
Outs: 4.Daniel Bowles (suspended – 1 match)
Unavailable: 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS (glute),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13.Stefan MAUK (groin)
How to watch
Tune in to Fox Sports 505 from 7.30pm AEDT or stream live on the MyFootball Live App. Live Fast and Data Free for Telstra mobile customers.
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Tickets
Secure your seat HERE as Melbourne City host Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park to kick-off Round 13.