A-League Round 4 – Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix

Round 4 of the 2010/11 A-League season kicks off tomorrow night with the Brisbane Roar hosting New Zealand raiders the Wellington Phoenix.

Bothe sides have already had a bye this term meaning they go into this match with only two lots of 90 minutes preparation under the belts.

With near-identical records so far, it proves a very hard game to pick as both the Roar and Phoenix have kicked off their campaigns in positive fashion with a win and a draw from their two contests.

The Roar were unlucky not win in round 1 as they dominated Gold Coast United away from home only to be held to a scoreless draw before taking on and defeating reigning champions Sydney FC 1-0 at home on the weekend.

The Phoenix have similar form, drawing their opening match with Gold Coast, although that was a thrilling 3-3 draw at Westpac Stadium, and they backed that performance up with a solid 2-0 home win over Central Coast Mariners in round 3.

If this was in Wellington, I would be all over the Phoenix but I feel that away from home they are not quite as sharp and the Roar may be able to conjure a draw.

Verdict: 1-1 draw.

Brisbane Roar v Wellington Phoenix
Date: Friday, 27 August 2010
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 8.00pm AEST
Head-to-Head: All matches (played 9): Brisbane Roar 5 wins, Wellington Phoenix 1 win (3 draws)
Referee: Chris Beath

Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & on Sky Sports 2. Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 1035AM The Radio Network (Wellington). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Shane STEFANUTTO, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 10. HENRIQUE, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VISCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, Andrew REDMAYNE, 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK *one to be omitted*
In: 8. Massimo MURDOCCA (returns from injury), 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VISCONTE (promoted)
Out: 5. Ivan FRANJIC (quad strain – 1-2 weeks), 18. Luke BRATTAN (illness – 1 week)
Unavailable: 9. Jean Carlo SOLORZANO (awaiting ITC)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1. Mark PASTON (gk), 2. Manny MUSCAT, 3. Tony LOCHHEAD, 6. Tim BROWN, 7. Leo BERTOS, 8. Paul IFILL, 9. Chris GREENACRE, 10. Oscar Roberto CORNEJO, 11. DANIEL, 13. Troy HEARFIELD, 14. Mirjan PAVLOVIC, 17. Vince LIA, 18. Ben SIGMUND, 19. Danny VUKOVIC (gk), 22. Andrew DURANTE (c), 23. Dylan MACALLISTER *one to be omitted*
In: Mirjan PAVLOVIC (promoted), Danny VUKOVIC (gk, new signing)
Out: Griffin McMASTER (gk, omitted)
Unavailable: Diego WALSH (knee – 3 weeks), Jade NORTH (overseas – 2 weeks), Reece CROWTHER (gk, ribs – 7 weeks)