Brisbane Roar captain Matt McKay has predicted a tough battle for top spot in the Hyundai A-League in tomorrow night’s blockbuster with Adelaide United at Suncorp Stadium.
Just nine months ago, Brisbane and Adelaide finished the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season in the bottom two places with just 15 wins between them.
Now, after 13 rounds of the current season the two teams have almost equalled that feat, with seven victories each so far in the 2010/11 competition.
McKay was full of praise for the resurgent Reds and said their first defeat of the season at the hands of old rivals Melbourne Victory last week would motivate them even further against the Roar.
“They-ve come a long way from last year, likewise with ourselves,” McKay said.
“Every team is upset after a loss and Adelaide will be no different.
“Adelaide are a very combative team, mobile but very fit and they like to pressure teams and they-re very physical.
“We know that and they did that to us when they were up here last time so we-ll be ready for it.
“We-re coming off a great result in Wellington so everyone is happy and we-re ready for tomorrow night.
“We pulled up well and it-s a big challenge this weekend.”
Wednesday night-s 4-1 victory over Wellington Phoenix saw Brisbane claim the title of league leaders from Adelaide, a tag Rini Coolen-s side had held since the start of September.
While Adelaide have a game in hand, McKay said his team were enjoying the view from the top and was confident of a motivated performance tomorrow night to ensure they stay there.
“We-ve got number one spot now and we want to hold onto that, so it-s a very big game in that respect,” he said.
“We were disappointed last time they played up here and hopefully we can give them a better shout this time.
“We-re playing some good football, and if we can be sensible and not be naive I guess, it will go a long way to getting the right result against Adelaide.”
No less than 11 different Roar players have found the back of the net this season, a sign of Brisbane-s combined team effort across the park.
Without a goal since week three, McKay said he was keen to get amongst the goal-scoring action for his hometown club again soon.
“Yeah, I-m keen to get back on it,” he said.
“It-s great to see everyone getting amongst it, and now there is only a handful of us that haven-t scored.
“It-s great that everyone is joining in and working hard because it shows in way we-re playing.”
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 8.15pm local (9.15pm AEDT)
Referee: Matthew Breeze
Assistant referees: Brad Hobson and David Walsh
Fourth official: Jarred Gillett
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & Sky Sport 1 (NZ). Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is ABC digital (Adelaide). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Ivan FRANJIC, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VISCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK.
*one to be omitted*
In: Rocky VISCONTE (promoted),
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Shane STEFANUTTO (Hamstring – 1 week), HENRIQUE (broken arm – indefinite)
Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 4.Iain FYFE, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS (c), 8.Adam HUGHES, 9.Sergio VAN DIJK, 10.Marcos FLORES, 12.Paul REID, 13.Travis DODD, 16.Inseob SHIN, 17.Iain RAMSAY, 18.Fabian BARBIERO, 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 24.Cameron WATSON, 26.Joe KEENAN
*one to be omitted*
In: Travis DODD (returns from injury), Joe KEENAN (short term contract)
Out: Mathew LECKIE (knee – 10 weeks)
Unavailable: Daniel MULLEN (ankle – 2 weeks), Nigel BOOGAARD (ankle – 3 weeks), Lloyd OWUSU (knee – indefinite)
Head-to-Head: All matches (played 17): Brisbane Roar wins 3, Adelaide United wins 8 (6 draws)
