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This match on paper looks to be a forgone conclusion but Melbourne Heart‘s resurgence in recent weeks means Brisbane Roar will need to be on their game. Join us for live scores and commentary on Sunday from 5pm AEDT.
Brisbane sat seven points clear on top of the A-League ladder at the beginning of the round but were brought down to earth in last week’s 1-0 loss at home to the Newcastle Jets.
The Jets enthusiasm and determination in defence unsettled the Roar and they will face a similar task away to the much improved Heart outfit this weekend.
Thomas Broich was quiet last week as the Jets looked to double team him and Brisbane fans will be hoping the German playmaker can have more of an influence.
The Heart on the other hand are flying at the moment after their 5-0 demolition of Wellington Phoenix and have gone undefeated in their past five matches including three consecutive wins.
Energetic forward David Williams has been in outstanding form for the Heart which included a spectacular hat-trick against the Nix in Wellington and will look to add to his nine goals for the season against the Roar.
Dutchman Orlando Engelaar has added much needed experience and composure in the middle of the park for the Heart and he will need to dictate terms if the Heart are to topple the ladder leaders.
Besart Berisha cut a frustrated figure up front for Brisbane last week with the talismatic striker forced to drop deep to get the ball as the Jets pressed high up the pitch.
The Albanian is still the most lethal striker in the A-League and it is not too often he goes two weeks without a goal, so Melbourne Heart will need to be vigilant this weekend.
Luke Brattan has really come into his own this season and he has helped fill the void left by the injury sustained by Liam Miller in midfield.
The possible return of Matt McKay in Brisbane’s engine room would be a big boost for the visitors with his composure and passing range helping to take the pressure off Thomas Broich.
Looking from afar, Brisbane look to have too much to play for in this one as they try to secure the Premiers Plate but Melbourne still have an outside chance of making the finals.
Both sides have plenty of attacking weapons in the final third and it wouldn’t surprise if there are several goals in this match but Brisbane’s quality in the back four may just get them over the line.
Prediction: Brisbane 2 Heart 1
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