Brisbane Roar’s Hyundai A-League Championship defence begins in Adelaide on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm AEST).
The Roar was drawn to meet the third-placed Reds in Elimination Final 1 at Adelaide Oval after Sydney FC beat Wellington Phoenix 2-1 in New Zealand today.
The other Elimination Final is between fourth-placed Wellington Phoenix, who finished below Adelaide on goal difference, and fifth-placed Melbourne City at Westpac Stadium on Sunday, 3 May.
Premiers Plate winners Melbourne Victory and runners-up Sydney FC have the week off.
Brisbane Roar interim Head Coach Frans Thijssen said his squad was ready for the Finals Series challenge ahead and has warned his team are underdogs and the ones to watch.
“Some players in the squad have had a rest and others gave us selection options in the (2-1) win over Newcastle on Friday,” Thijssen said.
“We have had good away form in recent weeks and now have a full week to prepare for Adelaide.
“These boys deserve to finish the season with a prize (trophy).
“Luck went our way to make the finals and we will be doing our best to make the most of our opportunity.”
Brisbane has an enviable record in the South Australian capital, with seven wins and one draw in their last eight away meetings with the Reds.
In the current season, Adelaide United recorded a 2-1 win over the Roar in the opening round at Suncorp Stadium.
However, the three-time Champions beat Josep Gombau’s side 1-0 in Round 10 and 3-2 in Round 25, just two weeks ago, in Adelaide.
After next weekend’s Hyundai A-League Elimination Final, the Roar also has its final AFC Champions League Group Stage match, against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, at Gold Coast Stadium on Tuesday, 5 May (7pm kick-off).
The Roar can advance to the knockout Round of 16 if Suwon Samsung FC convincingly beat Beijing Guoan in the other final Group G game.
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
Friday, 1 May at Adelaide Oval
Kick-off time: 7pm local (7.30pm AEST)
Click here for ticketing information
