The league leaders have a great opportunity to really confirm themselves as Premier's Plate favourites when they meet fourth-placed Gold Coast United.
Brisbane Roar have so far taken all before them this season (besides Melbourne Victory), and will be keen to get another win over their Queensland rivals and potentially go 13 points clear depending what happens in the Mariners v Adelaide match prior.
Their form has been irrepressible for almost the entire campaign to date, culminating in last weekend's 2-0 away win over North Queensland Fury, and it seems that winning is definitely not getting boring.
Ange Postecoglou is unlikely to make any changes to the line-up whilst the Gold Coast team should welcome back skipper Jason Culina and influential centre-half Kristian Rees which will be a major boost.
But whoever they get back will have to really perform to overcome a Roar outfit packed with talent and another win is on the cards for the men in orange.
Verdict: Roar 2-1
Brisbane Roar vs. Gold Coast UnitedDate: Sunday, 26 December 2010 Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Local kick-off: 6:15pm Referee: Chris Beath
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & Sky Sport 1 (NZ). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 4. Shane STEFANUTTO, 5. Ivan FRANJIC, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 14. Rocky VISCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 21. James MEYER, 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK *two to be omitted* In: Luke BRATTAN (promoted), James MEYER (promoted) Out: Nil Unavailable: HENRIQUE (broken arm - 1 week), Matt MUNDY (knee - 1 week)
Gold Coast United squad: 1.Glen MOSS [gk], 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 8.ANDERSON, 10.Jason CULINA (c), 11.Bruce DJITE, 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 18.James BROWN, 20.Scott HIGGINS [gk], 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 24.John CURTIS, 32.Steven LUSTICA *three to be omitted* In: Jason CULINA (return from knee injury), Kristian REES (return from suspension), John CURTIS (promoted). Out: mil Unavailable: ROBSON (knee injury - 1 week), Chris BROADFOOT (knee injury - 6 weeks), Daniel PIORKOWSKI (ankle injury - indefinite), Matt OSMAN (knee injury - indefinite).
