League leaders Brisbane Roar will surely be keen to continue their record undefeated streak which has now stretched to 24 matches when they host Gold Coast United tonight.
The Roar will unveil their 2010/11 A-League Premier's Plate for their fans who should be out in full force to see an potentially enthralling Queensland derby.
Ange Postecoglou has not rested any key players ahead of the finals, indicating he is determined to keep things rolling as they are as they chase an 18th win of the season.
Gold Coast cannot move from their current position of fourth and a positive display is all coach Miron Bleiberg will be looking for on the eve of their second playoffs appearance in just their second season.
Zenon Caravella and Bas van den Brink return from injury to boost the United midfield but I just feel that the Roar show will continue although it certainly will not be an easy task.
Verdict: Roar 2-1
Brisbane Roar v Gold Coast UnitedDate: Saturday, 12 February 2011 Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Local kick-off: 8:15pm (9.15pm AEDT) Referee: Peter Green Match facts: - With a home W-D-L record of 9-5-0, Brisbane Roar is set to be the first team in Hyundai A-League history to have completed a regular season undefeated at home should Gold Coast not win this weekend. While an undefeated home record occurred several times in the old NSL (1977-2004), never before has a Brisbane team achieved this feat. - This will be the Brisbane Roar's first home match since securing the 2010/11 Premiers' Plate, the first time in Australian national league history that a Brisbane team has ended a season on top of the ladder.
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 2, FS2 HD and Sky Sports 1 (NZ). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 4. Shane STEFANUTTO, 5. Ivan FRANJIC, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10. HENRIQUE, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VISCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (capt), 16. Daniel BOWLES, 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 18. Luke BRATTAN, 19. Chris BUSH, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK *two to be omitted* In: 19. Chris BUSH (promoted), 18. Luke BRATTAN (promoted), 16. Daniel BOWLES (promoted) Out: 21. James MEYER (toe injury) Unavailable: 8. Massimo MURDOCCA (quad injury - 1 week), 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO (quad injury - 1 week)
Gold Coast United squad: 1.Glen MOSS [gk], 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE (c), 6.Dino DJULBIC, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 8.ANDERSON, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 19.Andrew BARISIC, 20.Scott HIGGINS [gk], 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 26.Ben HALLORAN, 27.Chris HAROLD, 31.Josh BRILLANTE, 33.Peter PERCHTOLD, 34.Sung-Kil KIM *four to be omitted* In: Zenon CARAVELLA (return from hip injury), Bas VAN DEN BRINK (return from ankle injury), Ben HALLORAN (promoted), Sung-Kil KIM (promoted). Out: Nil Unavailable: Bruce DJITE (hamstring injury - 1 week), John CURTIS (shoulder injury - season). 10.Jason CULINA (knee injury - season), ROBSON (hamstring injury - 4 weeks), Joel PORTER (calf injury - 2 weeks), Daniel PIORKOWSKI (ankle injury - indefinite), Matt OSMAN (knee injury - season)
