The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Danish midfielder Thomas Kristensen will stay in the A-League for another two seasons after signing a contract extension with Brisbane Roar.
Kristensen, 33, has been a standout for the Roar since joining the club in the off-season as a replacement for club champion Corona.
He said it was an “easy decision” to stay put.
“It’s nice for myself and my family to know where our future lies, the focus now is to continue to perform well in the remaining matches,” Kristensen said.
“In football, you have good and bad spells but I believe in what we are doing and I know that this group can be successful if we work hard for it.”
Kristensen has made more tackles than any other A-League player this season and also leads the Roar for interceptions, forming an impressive defensive midfield partnership with skipper Matt McKay.
But the 11-time former Danish international also has an eye for goal, scoring four times in his 14 appearances for the club to date.
Kristensen and McKay have both re-signed but several other important figures at the club – including coach John Aloisi, striker Jamie Maclaren, defender Luke DeVere and attacker Dimi Petratos – are all coming off contract.
Fourth on the A-League ladder, Brisbane have lost their past three matches and take on the Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
Anthony Caceres is a player with immense talent and has a fantastic work rate, broke the deadlock against the Mariners in the 74th minute.
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