There will be back-to-back matches for Brisbane Roar’s Liberty A-League and Isuzu UTE A-League teams on Saturday.
Take a look at how each squad has been preparing for their upcoming match.
Liberty A-League
Brisbane Roar’s Liberty A-League squad head to Tasmania to take on Western United at North Hobart Oval on Saturday afternoon.
It is a quick turnaround for the Roar from their draw with Adelaide United on Sunday, as they prepare to face Western United for the first time since their introduction to the competition.
The newest Victorian team has already enjoyed success this season, sitting two points clear at the top of the ladder.
The only blemish on their record under head coach Mark Torcaso is a loss to the Western Sydney Wanderers last week.
Head coach Garrath McPherson said his side would be looking to nullify Western United’s weapons with their forward Hannah Keane leading the Golden Boot race.
“If we can compete with them physically with their strength and speed then I think we will be good,” McPherson said post-match against Adelaide.
“They’re very good on the ball.
“If we defend organised then we will give we’ll give ourselves a chance.”
Despite the draw with Adelaide, the team showed their new attacking power by creating several chances both inside and outside the box.
It’s an area of the Roar’s gameplan McPherson had been working on during their bye week.
“We’ve been working hard in that two-week refresh on our attacking third and trying to get better combination and delivery,” McPherson said.
McPherson also said the squad has focussed on their defensive structure.
“We have been working hard to defend our 18-yard box and stay compact,” he said. If a team is going to break us down, it’s going to have to be through a good play.”
Catch all the action between Brisbane Roar and Western United live on Paramount+ and 10Play.
Isuzu UTE A-League
Coming up against league leaders Melbourne City on Saturday, Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League head coach Warren Moon says his side will be looking to take the points at Kayo Stadium.
The squad will be bolstered by the return of Irishman Jay O’Shea after serving his one-match suspension for his red card against Perth Glory in their re-scheduled fixture.
It will be the second time the Roar have come up against City this season, having faced the reigning Premiers in Round 2 back in October.
“We learnt a lot from that game and whilst we were disappointed with that result…we’re certainly looking at how we can pose more of a threat to them this time around so we’re certainly going to be more aggressive on the front foot,” Moon said.
The Roar will also be looking to create more of their set-piece magic, having already scored three goals from free kicks this season, the joint-most of any team in the competition.
It’s a skill Moon said the team has continued to work on at training, among other tactical aspects.
“We work on set pieces all the time; we work on all the details of the game to try to get it right,” Moon said. “As much as we try to work on things, it’s the quality of the delivery that we focus on.”
Despite two consecutive losses, the team is taking the lessons learnt from a tough road trip and is looking to turn that around on Saturday evening.
“We understand why coming off a tough road trip but what we need to do it to put it right,” Moon said.
“We’re excited and motivated to come up against a very good team in Melbourne City and take the points.”
Catch all the action between Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City live on Paramount+.
MATCH DETAILS
Liberty A-League
Western United v Brisbane Roar
Saturday 21 January
North Hobart Oval
Kick-off 1:20pm AEST
Isuzu UTE A-League
Brisbane Roar v Melbourne City
Saturday 21 January
Kayo Stadium
Kick-off 6:45pm AEST
