Brisbane Roar will be looking to make it back-to-back wins against Sydney FC when they welcome the Sky Blues to Suncorp Stadium on Friday night (6:50pm KO).
For the first time this season, and for a third season running in a home fixture against Sydney FC, the Roar will wear Queensland state colours for Friday’s State vs State clash at Suncorp Stadium
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As a proud Queenslander, Roar goalkeeper Jamie Young said he’s relishing the rivalry Friday’s clash presents.
“I think it’s a good concept for our supporters and the [Hyundai] A-League, I think we should be leveraging off these kinds of games, we want rivalries,” Young said.
“I’m from Brisbane, I lived in England for 14 years but playing for Brisbane means a lot to me. There’s a lot of importance there, I’m so proud to represent this club and the people, the city and the state so it’s just another great opportunity to do that.”
After missing the team’s last match against Melbourne Victory a fortnight ago, the Roar shot stopper said he was raring to return to the side.
“I’m obviously disappointed from last week but we’re looking forward to another tough test in Sydney FC. They’ve done exceptionally well over the last couple of years so these are the types of games that we want to play in,” Young said.
“I love training anyway, but it was good to have that extra week off. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow and representing this great Club again.”
The Roar have a strong record against Sydney FC at home, with the Sky Blues having picked up just two wins from their last 17 visits to Suncorp Stadium.
Young says the squad know they would have to be at their best to continue their good run of home form against Sydney FC.
“It’s good to have that sort of confidence going into the game, but they’ll be a good team so we’ve got to be up for it,” Young said.
“They’re in the position that they are for a reason. We’ve had some victories against some good opposition this season, so we’ve got to look at those sorts of results and I think where that starts from is just competing.”
“If we match them and give 100% effort, we’ll give ourselves every chance.”
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League Round 21: Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday, 29 March (6:50pm KO)
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TEAM NEWS
Goalkeepers: 1. Brendan WHITE, 21. Jamie YOUNG
Defenders: 8. Jacob PEPPER, 12. Ruon TONGYIK, 15. Stefan NIGRO, 32. Zach DUNCAN, 34.Aaron REARDON
Midfielders: 7. Thomas KRISTENSEN, 14. Alex LOPEZ, 17. Matt MCKAY (c), 18. Joe CALETTI
Forwards: 11. Eric BAUTHEAC, 16. Charles LOKOLI-NGOY, 23. Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 26. Nick D’AGOSTINO, 33. HENRIQUE, 36. Daniel LECK, 92. Eli BABALJ
Ins: 16. Charles LOKOLI-NGOY (promoted), 21. Jamie YOUNG (gk) (promoted), 26. Nick D’AGOSTINO (returns from international duty), 34.Aaron REARDON (promoted)
Outs: 22. Tobias MIKKELSEN (groin), 31.Macklin FREKE (not selected)
Unavailable: 2. Dane INGHAM (foot), 3. Luke DEVERE (knee), 4. Daniel BOWLES (knee), 10. Brett HOLMAN, 13. Stefan MAUK (groin), 19. Jack HINGERT (knee), 24. Connor O’Toole (broken leg)