Our Hyundai A-League side will be eyeing their first win of 2019 this Friday night when they face the Western Sydney Wanderers at Suncorp Stadium (6:50pm KO).
The Roar are coming off a 1-1 draw against the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford with the decisive goal coming from Luke DeVere, who was able to venture forward and slam home a header from a corner on the stroke of half-time.
The goal was DeVere’s first in more than two years but the defender is hoping to inspire the Roar to all three points on Friday.
TICKETS: Two games, one ticket this Friday
“On a personal level it’s always nice to contribute,” DeVere said.
“The three points was more what we were after and hopefully we can build towards that this week.”
The Wanderers head to Suncorp Stadium on the back of five straight defeats & a win would see the Roar leapfrog their opponents on the ladder.
Back at home, DeVere knows the Roar will have to be on their game against a hungry Wanderers outfit.
“Hopefully we can put some pressure on Western Sydney who are going through a tough time in their history,” DeVere added.
“With the games they’ve had thick and fast and the travel on top of that, coming up here it’s not going to be easy for them.”
When these sides last met back in Round 4 in Mudgee, the Roar overcame a two-goal deficit to earn a valuable point.
Hayley Raso & Luke DeVere preview Friday’s double header at Suncorp Stadium
The Roar will be aiming to use their collective strength and mental fortitude again in the first of two meetings this season at home against the Wanderers.
“One thing Brisbane Roar has always had is a good atmosphere and team culture,” DeVere continued.
“That sort of thing is tested in a time like this and I think we are in good stead to keep pushing and fighting.”
On a personal level, the experienced defender is happy to be earning consistent minutes in the heart of defence.
“I’m just excited to be back, playing again, enjoying myself and helping the team,” DeVere stated.
“Everyone has got to take the opportunity when they’re selected to play and turn things around for us.”
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2018/19 – Round 16: Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday, 25 January (6:50pm KO)
BRISBANE ROAR SQUAD
Goalkeepers: 1.Brendan WHITE, 21.Jamie YOUNG
Defenders: 2.Dane INGHAM, 3.Luke DEVERE, 4.Daniel BOWLES, 15.Stefan NIGRO, 19.Jack HINGERT, 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 34.Aaron REARDON, 35.Jay BARNETT
Midfielders: 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 18.Joe CALETTI
Attackers: 9.Adam TAGGART, 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE **two to be omitted**
Ins: 14.Alex LOPEZ (promoted), 15.Stefan NIGRO (promoted), 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO (promoted), 34.Aaron REARDON (promoted), 35.Jay BARNETT (promoted)
Outs: 8.Jacob PEPPER (suspended – 1 match), 11.Eric BAUTHEAC (suspended – 1 match), 17.Matt McKay (suspended – 1 match)
Unavailable: 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS (glute),10.Brett HOLMAN (knee), 13.Stefan MAUK (groin)
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