Sunday, 23 August 2009
Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 3.00pm
Referee: Chris Beath
The Brisbane Roar faces the Wellington Phoenix in Brisvegas on Sunday hoping to get a victory and some reward for their recent attacking play.
Last week the Brisbane Roar gave up a 3-1 winning position against the Melbourne victory but it took two screamers the first from Danny Allsop and the second by the fast chewing Carlos Hernandez.
One point is scant reward for the attacking play the Roar has displayed so far this season.
Exciting youngster Tommy Oar returns from injury and will row his way down the left of midfield at some stage. Brazilian attacker Henrique showed off some brilliant dribbling and clinical finishing against the victory and I’m particularly keen for another showing. Hopefully it’s a serial rather than a pilot to use a bad TV analogy. I’m just riffing……….
Roar Quotes: “After this weekend if we don’t get the result you can say it’s been a bit of a slow start but we’re two games in – two tough games,” said left winger Michael Zullo.
“They’re not going to really blow people away with big players but they’ve shown they’re a good side and they’ve got some quality in there,” Zullo said speaking of opponents Wellington.
“(Paul) Ifill looks like a pretty decent player and (Leo) Bertos is pretty dangerous as well so they’ve got some good players”.
Roar Players to Watch: Midfielder Danny Tiatto has been holding onto the fire so far; the Phoenix players better make sure they are wearing the extra padded shin guards for this game. The Roar’s potent attack of Mitch Nichols, Henrique and Sergio Van Dijk will cause headaches for both the home fans and the Phoenix. As the profligate finishing the Roar are famous for at home will feature.
Wellington Phoenix don’t usually travel well but a fine 2-1 over Perth glory last week will give the Kiwi’s confidence that they can get something from the clash in Brisbane
New Zealand national team player Leo Bertos has added goals to his repertoire after some lean years in that department. It’s all about the defence for Wellington.
Phoenix Quotes: “I think I did reasonably well against Perth considering I haven’t really taken much of a part in pre-season” said attacking midfielder Diego this week.
“I’m probably still not in top game shape, so I’ll keep working on my fitness and things will get better.
“We had some nice combinations during the game,” Diego said. “Paul (Ifill) looked lively on the left side and Leo(Bertos), too, on the right. On the whole it seemed the balance was there and it worked well, but only time will tell how things will develop during the season” added the Brazilian.
Phoenix Players to Watch: Ex Adelaide united midfielder Diego is heading back to full fitness. Ex Crystal Palace striker Paul Ifill got off the mark with a fine header against Perth last week and will cause the Roar’s defence some problems. Leo Bertos; can he score again?
Key Battles: Brisbane Roar should look to attack at home and the Phoenix have some weapons of their own. The result could hinge on wether the Roar can finish their chances off and if the Phoenix can convert the couple they get.
A Football Story Prediction:Roar 2-0
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Liam REDDY (gk), 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Craig MOORE (c), 6. David DODD, 7. Michael ZULLO, 9. Sergio VAN DIJK, 10. Charlie MILLER, 12. Matt MUNDY, 13. HENRIQUE, 15. Matt McKAY, 16. Bob MALCOLM, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Danny TIATTO, 20. Griffin McMASTER (gk), 21. Tommy OAR, 24. Robbie KRUSE.
*one to be omitted*
In: 21. Tommy OAR (promoted)
Out: 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN (groin - 2 weeks)
Unavailable: 2. Andrew PACKER (adductor – 2-3 months), 5. Josh McCLOUGHAN (groin – 2 weeks), 8. Massimo MURDOCCA (fractured leg – 3-4 months)
Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT , 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 4. Jon McKAIN, 5. DIEGO, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL. 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Michael FERRANTE, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 16. David MULLIGAN, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 20. Reece CROWTHER (gk), 21. Marco ROJAS, 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES
*three to be omitted*
In: 16. David MULLIGAN (promoted), 21. Marco ROJAS (promoted), 23. Costa BARBAROUSES (promoted)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: 6. Tim BROWN (groin – 1 week), 12. Jiang CHEN (visa)
*Head-to-Head: Played 6; Brisbane Roar FC 4, Wellington Phoenix FC 0, Drawn 2
Live & exclusive broadcast on Fox Sports 3 and Sky Sports 1. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is The Radio Network 1035 AM ( Wellington ). To purchase tickets visit www.ticktek.com.au
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