The clash
Top against bottom clashes, especially in the A-League, always bring up intriguing clashes and this Friday night is no different.
City face cellar-dwellers Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium looking to record their first win in three weeks. After a loss to Champions Sydney and a draw with Western Sydney, Warren Joyce’s men will be hungry for a three point haul that drove them in the first five weeks.
It won’t be smooth sailing for City who will face a Roar side who will be looking for Round 1 redemption. John Aloisi’s side were impressive last week against a stron Victory side, clawing back a late goal to pick up a point at Etihad Stadium.
Back at home this week and looking to continue their improvement, it’s set up for the Roar to put out an impressive performance for their fans and City must be wary of the wounded lion.
Team News
Tim Cahill, Neil Kilkenny and Bradeyn Crowley have been added to the extended squad this week. See our full team news here.
Last time they met
Round 1 was the last time we faced the Roar as John Aloisi’s side becomes the first team we play twice in 2017/18.
Bruce Kamau’s brace separated the sides on the night as goals either side of the break kick-started City’s season.
Stats and facts
- Melbourne City have won five of their last 10 games against Brisbane Roar, including a 2-0 win when they met in the opening round of the season.
- Brisbane have now gone seven games without a win (D3, L4), never before in club history have they gone longer without notching an A-League victory.
- Melbourne City have won their last two games away from home, the last time they won more on the bounce away from home was a three-game streak in December 2011.
- Melbourne City are one of two teams (Sydney FC) yet to concede a goal in the final 30mins of a game this season.
- Ross McCormack has had 12 shots on target so far this season; more than any other player in the competition.
What was said
Head Coach Warren Joyce
“I think it’s disrespectful to say they are bottom of the league because they’ve had some good performances, got good players and a good manager,” Joyce said.
“I think anybody can beat anybody in the whole league. We’re not approaching it any different from any other game.
“You’ve seen bits coming along and we’re a new group, we’re trying to build a new culture and things like that take time. See the full article
Brisbane forward Brett Holman
“They [City] started really well. To get a win, especially at home, would be a massive boost for us,” Holman said.
“In the A-League, you have to at your best every week otherwise you will come off second best and it will be no different on Friday night. We’ve worked hard at training and will look at how we can punish them.”
Where and when
City take on Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, kick-off 7.50pm. See the match on Fox Sports 501. City will be back at home next Friday as they face Perth Glory, kick-off 7.50pm.
