Not so long ago, Gold Coast coach Miron Bleiberg admits he would have found a way to call off an A-League derby with defending champions Brisbane Roar.
But Bleiberg’s cellar dwellers suddenly fancy their chances of breaking a two-year drought against their once-dominant rivals at Skilled Park on Boxing Day.
Bleiberg even went as far as saying he would back his side against any Roar team without Thomas Broich, Matt Smith and Henrique – the key trio who form part of the champions’ long injury list.
Indeed, Bleiberg could be forgiven for not being his characteristic upbeat self given his side haven’t tasted victory against the Roar since the corresponding clash two years ago – a 5-1 drubbing of Brisbane now known as the Boxing Day Massacre.
Four straight losses have dropped the once mighty Roar to second spot on the ladder while United are on a two-match unbeaten run, including last round’s 3-0 thumping of Adelaide United that sealed Reds coach Rini Coolen’s fate.
“If we had to play them after they beat Adelaide 7-1 (on October 29) I would have probably called it off for some excuse,” Bleiberg said of Brisbane.
“I am happy with the timing.
“(And) football is about timing. Three weeks ago we were deep at the bottom and they were the all-conquering Roar.
“But momentum has changed. They have come back to earth a bit.
“I wouldn’t say (Roar should be) scared but a bit more worried – I feel more confident.”
Roar coach Ange Postecoglou said on Thursday skipper Matt Smith was a chance of returning and ex-Socceroo Shane Stefanutto (concussion) would be back but again ruled a line through Broich, Henrique and James Meyer.
It was music to Bleiberg’s ears.
“I will tell Ange straight if he has Broich, Henrique and Matt Smith I give myself 49 per cent to win the game – and without those three I give myself 51 per cent. That’s a big difference,” he said.
Postecoglou again reiterated that he would not change his tactics despite coming under fire for a horror 13-day run in which Brisbane went from holders of top-level Australian sport’s greatest unbeaten streak to being the A-League’s No.2 side.
“I know there is a bit of hysteria about what is going on with us at the moment – that’s external,” he said.
“As long as I am in charge we will keep doing what we are doing.”
Stu
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I hope the game is as good as the Melbourne derby. I'll be there with one of my mates in orange plus another 4 in yellow. Hopefully the Roar can get up in a close one. The Roar have never won at skilled and have never lost 5 in a row. The good thing about the Roar's form is other teams come out attaching so we get end to end football. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.
Qantas supports Australian Football
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We have God on our side ... Go the real United (GCU)
menopac
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Indeed Adelaide were ordinary...but the roar however are a different proposition. I have no doubt that even with a depleted team the roar will prevail....watch out GCU and ho ho ho merry christmas
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Lol: I've just read Miron's plan for the Boxing Day Derby: he has given our team the day off on Christmas Day and in contrast to that, Ange has called his team in for Christmas Day training... Arrh yes GCU is betting that God will be with us on Boxing day and those heathens up the road; well perhaps may be fitter with the extra day's preparation, but they will have no help from God... Well thought out Miron---we can't possibly lose... :(
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I'm glad Miron is upbeat for this clash against the Roar because I'm not---as a GCU supporter I'm very wary of the wounded Roar. If we had Rozic on the park I would have backed our team to the hilt. However, he was red carded last week against Adelaide, which leaves our defence a tad fragile at the back again. On the positive side we have Salley returning to the midfield––very solid and he can play. Our kids need to step up again like they did last week, and with each appearance they seem to be more confident. James Brown and Halloran are exceptional talents with speed to burn when they move down the flanks. If the Roar keep playing the way they do with the high line, I reckon we can do some damage on the counter. Rigters and Macallister our two front strikers and James Brown sitting in just behind them we can score and win this match. However, we need to keep another clean sheet to do that, and that is the challenge against the wounded Roar. I'm really looking forward to a huge crowd at Robina and I hope it's an entertaining win for the GCU supporters---we need it.