Expert
The opening match of season thirteen of the A-League sees Melbourne City face Brisbane Roar at AAMI Park. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
The mysteries surrounding the opening rounds of sporting competitions will never be more evident than at AAMI Park tonight as Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar do battle in round one of the A-League.
With key additions to both teams and little to write home about from their pre-season performances, both squads may take a month or two before they hit their straps.
Melbourne City welcome Ross McCormack, Bart Schenkeveld, Marcin Budzinski and Marcelo Carrusca and it will be fascinating to see how new manager, Warren Joyce sets up his troops.
With Fernando Brandan and Bruno Fornaroli still to return from injury and Tim Cahill absent on international duty, City will not lack talent this season.
Brisbane have been one of the most interesting stories of the pre-season. The debut of Massimo Maccarone in an already experienced squad and new signing Fahid Ben Kalfallah will add much to the Roar attack.
Much has been made of their age, however, experience is a valuable thing and John Aloisi has great faith in the team he has assembled.
It is great to have football back for the summer months and this clash is a wonderful way to whet the appetite of fans.
Prediction
In what is a tough game to unravel due to the anticipated lack of fluency both teams may experience, I cannot split them.
There is more than enough talent on the pitch for goals to be found and the most likely outcome will be a low scoring draw.
Melbourne City 1, Brisbane 1.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7:50pm (AEDT).