Competition leader Brisbane Roar will be looking to return to winning ways when they host the last-placed North Queensland Fury on Saturday night at Suncorp Stadium.
Taking all before them for much of the season, the Roar hit something of a stumbling block last Wednesday evening, when they were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with the rejuvenated Newcastle Jets.
But it certainly won’t be easy for Ange Postecoglou’s men, for despite the Fury holding up table, they have enjoyed a 10-day break heading into this clash in comparison with Brisbane’s four, the club having played eight games in the last four weeks.
Postecoglou conceded his side’s hectic schedule has seen tactical improvements take a back seat to pure physical recovery during training.
“It’s very hard when you’re just going from game to game. But to the players’ credit, they’re accepting that, and they understand that all our energy and resources need to go into making sure we do well in this next game,” Postecoglou said.
The cellar-dwelling Fury haven’t recorded a victory since a 2-1 toppling of Perth Glory over a month ago, but the Brisbane coach is well aware of their potential to silence the Roar this weekend.
“It’s a danger game. They’ve got plenty of youth and enthusiasm and they’re very well rested. We’ve caught out plenty of teams with our youth and mobility and if there is one team that can match us in that area, it’ll be them,” Postecoglou said.
The Roar will be lifted by their home supporters, from whom they are counting on a raucous welcome after having played five straight away games.
“Our supporters are really getting into it and creating a fantastic atmosphere and when it is tough, it’s always good for the players to feel that home support. A big crowd tomorrow will certainly help us,” Postecoglou said.
“We’re looking to increase our crowds every week and we’re doing it the right way: there are no gimmicks, not too many frills, just good football, and that’s what the crowds appreciate,” he said.
The home side also hopes to welcome back skipper Matt McKay from midweek Qantas Socceroos duty.
The dynamic captain’s ten-hour flight from Cairo will only land in Brisbane on the morning of the match, but Postecoglou has no doubts he will be ready to play.
“He’s flying business class, so hopefully he’s getting some sleep up there and some good service; he’s definitely keen to play,” quipped the Brisbane coach.
Roar goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos expects McKay’s return to give the team an extra boost against the Fury.
“It’s great to have Matt back, we missed him on Wednesday night [against Newcastle]. He’s our captain, he’s our leader, and I’m sure he’ll be looking forward to playing some good football at Suncorp,” Theoklitos said.
The keeper acknowledged that tomorrow’s battle for Queensland ascendancy is being treated very seriously by both sides.
“It’s a derby, and as a footballer you always lift for those derbies,” Theoklitos said.
Still, Ange Postecoglou displayed a quiet confidence befitting of the coach of a first-place team unbeaten in its last 11 games.
“Any opponent who plays us, they’re going to have to play well, they’re going to have to play their best to beat us, and even then they might not,” he said.
