New signing Juan Lescano could make his Isuzu UTE A-League debut when Warren Moon’s Brisbane Roar meet Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
The Roar have returned to the Victorian capital for a Round 2 clash with Tony Popovic’s team after travelling to the same venue for last weekend’s season opener against Melbourne City.
Though edged out 2-1 in that match, there were encouraging signs for Moon’s men including a goal off the bench from Luke Ivanović amid a strong second-half showing.
Ivanović’s exciting cameo and the availability of fellow striker Lescano provides attacking options for the Head Coach, who said it would be important not to overwork the pair as they build towards full fitness.
“The pleasing thing is that Juan is now available for selection,” Moon said.
“Luke has obviously got a run under his belt. Both those boys picked up injuries at the wrong time of pre-season. The temptation would be to throw them in early but we have to manage them.
“With Luke especially, it would be easy to give him more minutes straight away but we have to make sure we build him slowly. We want him there for the long haul, not just for the short term.
“We’ll see them in the game for sure, but we have to make sure we do the right thing by them.”
Brisbane, who have again made a matchday trip south due to COVID-19 restrictions, will be up against a different-looking Victory side from the one they beat in both meetings last season.
The experienced Popovic is now at the helm and Moon expects a stern test.
“We look at every team the same, we give them the respect they deserve and we take the time to analyse them,” he said.
“Popovic is a great coach and I’m sure he’s going to imprint his style on that football team.
“We know it’s a challenge and we know we’re coming up against a good team, good coach, good players. It’s our job to try to find a way to win the match.”
MATCH DETAILS
Isuzu UTE A-League (Round 2)
Melbourne Victory v Brisbane Roar
Sunday, 28 November
AAMI Park
KO: 3:05pm (QLD)
