Having finally suffered defeat, Roar are ready to take it out on someone! Can Heart handle the backlash?
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Heart
Friday 9th December, 7.00pm
Having finally suffered defeat, Roar are ready to take it out on someone! Can Heart handle the backlash?
It was a strange feeling for the players, staff and supporters of Brisbane Roar when they awoke on Monday morning. For the first time since September 2010, they started their week with the taste of defeat in their mouths.
Finally, the epic stretch of 36 unbeaten games came to an end in Sydney last weekend but, far from feeling sorry for themselves, Roar will simply dust themselves down and get on with starting up a new unbeaten run.
If anything, the defeat will have them more fired-up than ever, so Melbourne Heart should beware of the backlash! Besides, while Roar have lost their unbeaten record, there is still that incredible undefeated home run to maintain. So get along to this Friday night match-up with Heart and show the kind of support that has made Suncorp Stadium an impenetrable fortress for opposition sides.
For Ange Postecoglou, it’s all about how his players react to last week’s 2-0 loss in New South Wales. One defeat does not make a bad team, but it will be interesting to see if the result – which wasn’t unlucky or unjust – will have a bearing on the team’s mindset.
Can they prove that it was merely a blip, and continue their march towards a second title in a row, or will this be the start of a wobble? You can play your part in ensuring that it is the former by singing your heart out from first whistle to last. An upbeat atmosphere from the moment the players cross the white line will work wonders in steadying the Good Ship Brisbane.
In contrast to Roar, Melbourne Heart approach this weekend on the back of a win. And not just a single triumph either, but a result that means it is now three victories in four for the Red and White.
Last week, in the unfamiliar surroundings of the LaTrobe City Stadium, former Melbourne Victory player Mate Dugandzic scored the only goal of the game four minutes before half-time against Wellington Phoenix. It was a match which required some stout defending from the home side as Phoenix created plenty of chances to equalise and even win it.
Heart held strong though and kept the likes of Paul Ifill at bay. Similar dogged work in the back-line will serve them well as they take on a wounded Brisbane at Suncorp.
What unusual circumstances kick off Week 10 of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season, as Brisbane Roar seek a morale-boosting home win while Heart, who took an age to secure their first three points, are on a high! It just goes to show what a competitive league this is.
Don’t delay in securing your ticket for this Friday night tussle. As we’ve discovered so many times already in this intriguing campaign, anything can happen, so make sure you’re there to watch the drama unfold!
