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Brisbane coach Ange Postecoglou says the Roar’s lack of goals is not a millstone around his players’ necks as they aim to finally take their chances against a revived Melbourne Heart at Suncorp Stadium.
Brisbane’s quick, exciting passing game means opportunities aren’t in short supply for the team’s strikers, and they do ask questions of goalkeepers by being the A-League’s most efficient team at putting shots on target (46.9 per cent of 81).
But the Roar can only boast three goals in six matches to restrict their record to two wins despite dominating four encounters.
Postecoglou disagreed his injury-hit forward line lacked finishing precision and were struggling to cope with the building pressure to convert.
Unfazed by the meagre goal-scoring return, Postecoglou preferred to prioritise continued improvement across the board heading into Saturday night’s clash.
“I’m not too concerned about it,” Postecoglou said. “If we weren’t creating chances and playing a defensive style I’d say we have to address it.
“There’s a misconception that we don’t take shots on goal, but the fact that we have a lot of shots on target shows you we go pretty close.
“The style of game we’re playing will produce goals.”
Midfielder Matt McKay said: “The forwards are working very hard. We’ll continue with that effort and the goals will come.”
The Heart endured a poor start to the season but have started to hit their straps, putting the Roar on guard with their impressive 2-1 win over Wellington.
Veterans Josip Skoko and John Aloisi, two of five players in their 30s, have returned from injury dramas to highlight Melbourne’s superior experience.
With the Heart missing Michael Beauchamp (suspension), Young Socceroos Brendan Hamill and Eli Babalj, and Olyroo Jason Hoffman, Brisbane will look to expose the visitors with their fast-paced game.
Melbourne officials are livid the Roar have successfully requested defender Luke DeVere and midfielder Mitch Nichols be released from Olyroos duty to play while their own youngsters are unavailable.
DeVere is set to start in defence while Nichols is more than likely to come off the bench.
Postecoglou will promote nippy winger Kosta Barbarouses in the place of injured Jean Carlos Solorzano who is set to be sidelined for three weeks with a quad strain.
Heart coach John van ‘t Schip is considering moving Dean Heffernan or Skoko into central defence alongside Simon Colosimo to cover the loss of Beauchamp and Hamill.
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