Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League and Liberty A-League sides will both kick off the festive season on Friday 23 December.
Coming up against the Newcastle Jets for the second time this season, the Liberty A-League squad has made the trip south while the Isuzu UTE team will be at home against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Isuzu UTE A-League
Brisbane Roar’s Isuzu UTE A-League squad will be looking to extend their undefeated streak when they host the Western Sydney Wanderers at Kayo Stadium.
The side has been undefeated since their loss to Melbourne City in Round 2, in fact, it is the only blemish on their record so far this season with two wins and four draws.
Within that record, the Roar also have only conceded five goals all season – the best of any team in the league.
Head coach Warren Moon said their defence is something they pride themselves on.
“We’ve got a positive mindset towards defending and that’s what we’re about, we don’t just say defending is part of the game, we have a mindset to want to keep clean sheets, keep compact and strong in defence,” he said.
“We pride ourselves in that.
“I think it’s a good trait to have and hopefully we will continue to have the best defence in the league,” Moon added.
It will be the second time the Roar have faced the Wanderers this season after coming away with a 1-1 draw in October.
Heading into the match on Friday, a win could shoot the team up to third on the ladder with a game in hand.
“We go into most games as the underdog, they [Wanderers] are a very good side, they’ve had a good start…we know the importance of the match and I feel confident going into the match tomorrow night,” Moon said.
“We’re in good form, we need to back ourselves and continue what we continue to do well,” he added.
Catch all the action between the Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers live on Paramount+.
Liberty A-League
Brisbane Roar’s Liberty A-League will travel south to do battle with the Newcastle Jets this Friday evening.
The Brisbane side will hope to maintain their positive momentum following a 1-0 win over the Western Sydney Wanderers last weekend.
Despite taking the win, the Roar suffered a loss in Mariel Hecher who will be sitting out the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
Head coach Garrath McPherson said that while Hecher’s absence will be felt in the team, his squad’s performance at training and on game day has given him a selection headache.
“The way that Jessie [Rasschaert] and Teagan [Thompson] played on the weekend, they’ve given us more selection headaches now because both they were outstanding, it was a new-look backline,” he said.
“Mills [Jamilla Rankin] against Sydney, despite one defensive error that she won’t be happy with, was in possession of the ball and it was the best game she’s played.
“She was pass hungry and she was patient in what she was doing so we will bring her back in.
“Sharn’s [Freier] been good for us in every round and Hollie Palmer did an outstanding job on the weekend. We did it a little differently with her playing as an inverted winger but I think based on the way they have been playing, we’re likely to see them back in the matchday squads.
“The depth of the squad is something that across 18 games I think will really come into its own.”
McPherson said that positive momentum is an added bonus to the determination and discipline his squad exhibits week in and week out.
“Newcastle are going well, they’re dangerous, they’ve beaten Sydney 4-2 and they’ll be working hard this week to give their fans something to cheer about this Christmas,” he said.
“We set up an environment where they have everything they need to perform and come in and do their job as professional athletes.
“That’s the work of the leadership team and they’re hungry, led by Eash [Ayesha Norrie] and Mini [Katrina Gorry] coming back in as the captain and mentee captain, they’re very hungry at the moment they want points.”
Catch all the action between Brisbane Roar and the Newcastle Jets live on Paramount+ and 10Play.
MATCH DETAILS
Isuzu UTE A-League
Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday 23 December
Kayo Stadium
Kick off 6:45pm AEST
Liberty A-League
Newcastle Jets v Brisbane Roar
Friday 23 December
No. 2 Sportsground
Kick off 5:00pm AEST
