It is a massive ANZAC Day clash in Queensland, as Brisbane Roar bring the curtain down on their 2018/19 Hyundai A-League campaign by hosting Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium.
While Roar are assured of a ninth-placed finish, there is plenty of incentive for the men in orange to put on a show on Thursday.
Not only will newly appointed coach Robbie Fowler be in the stands, but they will also be hoping to send out club legends Matt McKay and Henrique in style.
The 36-year-old McKay called time on his decorated career last week after 271 appearances for the Sunshine State club and will play his final game on Thursday, while Henrique this week announced his own decision to call it a day but is likely to miss out on the action with a groin injury.
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There will also be pride on the line for the Roar after they slumped to their worst-ever loss in the Hyundai A-League, a 6-1 defeat by Newcastle Jets at home, last Saturday.
The Reds, meanwhile, have one eye on the Finals Series, but cannot afford to ease off with the makeup of the top six still to be determined.
Marco Kurz’s side currently occupy the coveted fourth place, and know that a win will ensure them a home Elimination Final in the opening week of the playoffs.
But a failure to take all three points will open the door for Wellington Phoenix to potentially leapfrog them when they travel to Perth Glory on Sunday evening.
The Reds appear to be hitting form at just the right time, having won three of their last four matches, including last weekend’s 1-0 Original Rivalry triumph over champions Melbourne Victory.
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6027930431001
Key Opta stats
- Brisbane Roar have lost six of their last nine Hyundai A-League matches at Suncorp Stadium (W2 D1); shipping four or more goals on five occasions during that run.
- Adelaide United have failed to keep a clean sheet in 20 of their last 21 Hyundai A-League fixtures against Brisbane Roar.
- Roar have conceded six more goals than any other team in the first-half of Hyundai A-League matches this term (32). Only one side has bagged fewer goals in the opening 45 minutes than Adelaide United (16) however: Newcastle Jets with 12.
Ins and outs
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 3.Luke DEVERE, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 12.Ruon TONGYIK, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 16.Charles LOKOLI-NGOY, 17.Matt MCKAY (c), 18.Joe CALETTI, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 32.Zachary DUNCAN, 34.Aaron REARDON, 36.Daniel LECK, 38.Izaack POWELL, 92.Eli BABALJ **two to be omitted**
Ins: 3.Luke DEVERE (returns from injury), 8.Jacob PEPPER (returns from suspension), 11.Eric BAUTHEAC (returns from suspension)
Outs: 35.Jay BARNETT (omitted)
Unavailable: 2.Dane INGHAM (foot), 4.Daniel BOWLES (knee), 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN (calf), 10.Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13.Stefan MAUK (groin), 19.Jack HINGERT (knee), 24.Connor O’TOOLE (broken leg), 33.HENRIQUE (groin)
Adelaide United squad: 1.Daniel MARGUŠ (gk), 2.Michael MARRONE, 3.Scott GALLOWAY, 6.Vince LIA, 7.Ryan KITTO, 8.Isaías SÁNCHEZ (c), 9.Baba DIAWARA, 11.Craig GOODWIN, 14.George BLACKWOOD, 16.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 17.Nikola MILEUSNIĆ, 20.Paul IZZO (gk), 22.Michael JAKOBSEN, 23.Jordan ELSEY, 26.Ben HALLORAN, 31.Mirko BOLAND, 32.Carlo ARMIENTO, 33.Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS **two to be omitted**
Ins: 9.Baba DIAWARA (returns from injury), 16.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS (promoted), 32.Carlo ARMIENTO (promoted), 33.Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS (returns from suspension)
Outs: 19.Jordy THOMASSEN (not selected), 24.Pacifique NIYONGABIRE (not selected)
Unavailable: 4.Ryan STRAIN (hamstring), 10.Ken ILSØ (suspended)
https://players.brightcove.net/5472387882001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6028225723001
How to watch
Catch this match on Thursday on FOX SPORTS 505 with kick-off at 2:00pm (AEST). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
Tickets
Click here to secure your seat to this final-round match.