FTS A-League Round 13 Preview: Brisbane Roar vs. Sydney Fc

Brisbane Roar hosts an out of form Sydney Fc in what will be the second last A-league game in 2014. The game will test both teams as the Australian representatives have departed for the Asian Cup.

Brisbane Roar may not be pretty as we have become so used too, but they are figuring out how to gain results. This definitely is down to the changes which Frans Thijssen has implemented. It particularly was noticeable a few weeks ago when the Queensland based squad traveled to the high-flying Adelaide and stole a 1-0 win to the surprise of many. However there was a reality check just this weekend when they drew 3-3 away against the low lying Mariners. That basically sums up the season so far for the Roar and if they are to challenge the top 6 they will need to produce a consistent run of results. Not helping this game is the absence of Captain Matt McKay who along with Antonis is out of this game.

Their opponents, Sydney Fc is currently in a dismal run of form. Despite starting the season positively, the sky blues have crashed hard down to earth due to a combination of poor performances and long term injuries. So the harbour based side will be counting down to the Asian Cup break when they can bring in reinforcements and regroup for hopefully a positive second half of the season. It has been well documented that this Sydney side only has won 2 points out of a possible 15 in recent times and any point gained will be seen as a positive. Arnold’s men will not be helped however with the loss of key man Terry Antonis on Socceroos duty but it may just be a chance for Triantis or Gligor to prove their worth.

 

Eyes on:                

Not often I will devote this section to a head coach/manager. However this is an exception, all eyes will be on Graham Arnold. Firstly to see how he sets his team up and secondly if he can motivate his team enough, that the sky blues and steal a result. His team will also have to play apart in this by converting chances which they haven’t been great in recent times.

Head to Head:                

Played: 30 Brisbane: 13 Draw: 9 Sydney Fc: 8

Last Meeting:                 

24/10/2014 at Suncorp Stadium. Brisbane Roar 0-2 Sydney Fc.

Form Guide:          

Brisbane Roar: DWLWD. Sydney Fc: DLDLL.

Possible Line ups:  

Brisbane Roar: Young; Bowles, Donachie, North Brown, Sarota, Borello, Lustica, Petratos, Henrique, Solorzano.

Sydney Fc: Janjetovic, Bojic, Ryall, Petkovic, Gersbach, Triantis, Dimitrijevic, Ibini, Brosque, Janko, Smeltz.

Prediction:            

Brisbane to win 2-1.

FTSAUS FACT:        

Sydney Fc hasn’t scored a goal in 200 minutes of on field action.

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