The second match on matchday Saturday of A-League Week 11 is a tantalising affair between the high-flying Brisbane Roar and the ever present Melbourne Victory.
Brisbane went within three points of runaway leaders Adelaide United thanks to a solid 2-0 midweek win over Central Coast Mariners and are looking extremely dangerous, especially at Suncorp Stadium where they have recorded four wins and two draws so far this season.
The form of German midfielder Thomas Broich and skipper Matt McKay has helped guide Ange Postecoglou's men to an imposing record but they need to become more efficient in front of goal and more so when up against a team of the quality of the Victory.
The two-time champions were back to their best with a faultless 3-0 win over reigning premiers Sydney FC last week and it was their star Carlos Hernandez who did all the damage and he will need to be watched by the Roar.
However, I can't pick a winner here and will sit on the fence as second versus fifth will end with honours even.
Verdict: 1-1 draw
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne VictoryDate: Saturday, 23 October 2010 Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Local kick-off: 7.45pm (8.45pm AEDT) Head-to-Head: All matches (played 16): Brisbane Roar wins 4, Melbourne Victory wins 10 (2 draws) Referee: Peter Green
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD and Sky Sport 3 (NZ). Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is 774 ABC (Melbourne), SEN Digital. 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, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 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 *four to be omitted* In: Matt MUNDY (promoted), Rocky VISCONTE (promoted), Luke BRATTAN (promoted), James MEYER (promoted) Out: Nil Unavailable: HENRIQUE (broken arm - indefinite)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Michael PETKOVIC (gk), 2. Kevin MUSCAT (c), 3. Mate DUGANDZIC, 4. Petar FRANJIC, 5.Surat SUKHA, 6. Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Grant BREBNER, 9.RICARDINHO, 11.Marvin ANGULO, 12.Rodrigo VARGAS, 13. Diogo FERREIRA, 14. Billy CELESKI, 15.Tom PONDELJAK, 16.Carlos HERNANDEZ, 19. Evan BERGER, 20.Sebastian MATTEI (gk), 21. Robbie KRUSE 23. Adrian LEIJER, 27. Geoff KELLAWAY *four to be omitted* In: Surat SUKHA (returns from injury), Petar FRANJIC (promoted), Diogo FERREIRA (promoted), Marvin ANGULO (promoted) Out: Nil Unavailable: Archie THOMPSON (knee - indefinite), Matthew KEMP (knee - indefinite)
