Sydney set for Brisbane test

Heading into the Sydney FC’s round-8 match against the Brisbane Roar, Alex Brosque knows a thing to two about what to expect from what is traditionally a tight contest between the two teams.

Brosque made his Hyundai A-League debut with the-then Queensland Roar in the 2005/06 season and he knows just how difficult it can be for travelling teams to play at Suncorp Stadium.

“The crowd, the stadium in general – it’s an intimidating place,” explained the 25-year old. “Any away trip is hard, but going up to Queensland, at least for us, is always a tough game.”

Of the past seven meetings between the interstate rivals, five have ended in draws with three finishing at nil-all.

“Both sides defensively are very solid,” assessed Brosque. “Brisbane has got some experienced players that make it hard for us going forward, and we’ve got some good players in the backs that will make it tough for them.”

But the top-of-the table Sky Blues will have more to deal with than just a mean defence, with the traditional rivalry between sporting teams from NSW and Queensland adding extra spice to the contest.

“Obviously, them being Queenslanders and us being New South Welshmen, that does add a bit of a ‘State of Origin’ feel to the game,” said Brosque explained. “That’s why the crowd becomes a big factor, because they’d really love to (see them) beat us.”

“They’re (Brisbane) pretty good at home. They really go all-out attack, and I think that’s why they make it hard for teams up there,” he continued.

“But the way we’ve been playing so far, we’re confident we’ll be able to go up there and get the points.”

The round-8 Hyundai A-League clash between Brisbane and Sydney kicks-off at 3pm on Sunday afternoon at Suncorp.