The equation is simple for Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar. Win and step into the A-League grand final next Sunday afternoon, lose and starting packing for end-of-season holidays.
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Could the back-to-back-to-back be once again on the table for the Roar?
On the evidence of last Sunday’s controlling performance at Hindmarsh Stadium, where Mike Mulvey’s men won 2-1 over Adelaide, there is still life left in the two-time champion.
They head south tonight to face the A-League Premiers sweating on the fitness of several key players.
Influential midfielder Thomas Broich has been unable to complete training during the week but should be able to overcome an ankle injury.
Despite a minor calf complaint Luke Brattan should also start, but Jack Hingert will not line up for Brisbane tonight after an ankle picked up from a late tackle in the win over Adelaide United.
The Western Sydney Wanderers juggernaut rolled into the semi-finals with 11 wins and a draw from their past 12 matches.
On the evidence of that formline they’ll breeze past Brisbane into the A-League grand final.
But things don’t always play out to the script and there is reason for Wanderers fans to be at least slightly anxious going into tonight.
Shinji Ono, Aaron Mooy and several other regular starters have been hampered by injury over the past month and while last week’s bye gave them the chance to recover, the lack of week-in week-out match practice could be a factor for the home side.
So will Brisbane be able to cause a boilover here?
Given that they finished 22 points behind Western Sydney in the regular season, it is hard to see.
That said, finals football is a different competition altogether and if the Wanderers are nervous, complacent or simply not on their game, we could see an upset tonight.
TK
Guest
jb - they definitely need to work out how to work with Halloran, as well as him working out how best to use his pace. With a couple of those breaks he made chasing the through balls, Berisha was the only player within Cooee of supporting him and always well marked. There are a few midfielders who should recognize that when he takes off, they need to put the effort in to get to the top of the box and far post for some options in attack and to spread the defense of the opposing team who are also caught out by the pace - which should help Berisha shed some of the attention. But I'm OK with that problem needing to be solved...it has provided the roar with another option and on top of the other developments in the last 4 weeks or so as you highlight, it has added to the attack of the team which has been lacking for so long. I'm pleased to see the team finish on a positive making it through to the semis and on the rise again. Bring on next season - not sure what I'm going to do with myself now !
j binnie
Guest
Tk - Again some shrewd observation.Halloran has 2 or 3 problems. He is a kid with tremendous pace but in itself pace is not everything,it is only part of the deal. Roar's game plan has changed markedly in recent weeks with 4 players,Franjic,Berisha,Broich& Nichols all given "free roles" to change & interchage as they see fit,hence you had Franjic & Broich scoring from,or setting up from, both sides of the field, Nichols too has been working the "swap" with Broich popping up on the left (where he copped a belter last night). Back to last night's game. Brattan speculated a few longer balls behind Cole & suddenly we had a fast raider ,Halloran, going at the line (as he should) but, when getting there, he was at least 20 metres in front of his other strikers so that the cross or the cutback was just not on.He was too fast for his own players!!!!!! This is where the kid falls down,he does not yet know how to use his pace in a manner that suits the game plan being played in recent weeks & it showed last night. Actually he gave Cole a roasting but it was advantage that came to no good.He is not the only youngster who needs work in the close season,Brattan has to learn how to pick up when defending,he is too often caught ball watching when he should be pressuring, not fouling, opponents with his presence. The kid Lustica too is a quandry, he disappears out of the action for long periods,& for a midfielder appears to lack that bit of strength that would allow him to compete with "pressing" opponents. With Thomas only partly fit & Halloran doing what he can do,the team lost the balance that it has had in recent weeks & last night it showed,it all seemed to be "hit or miss" football. jb
tk
Guest
Jb i agree and exciting yet frustrating game. Wanderers clearly better in the first half with their up tempo strategy which really upset roars game and was reflected in the possession. But the energy of wsw couldn't last for 90minutes and the second half srelected the effort expended to get to one nil. Unfortunately from my perspective the ghosts of the season game back to haunt the roar and we couldn't penetrate. The loss of hingert was big and broich was clearly ginger from the moment he walked on the pitch. I think Nijland, Nichols and Halloran all need improvement. Personally I think Nijland looks like a dud, Halloran gets himself into great positions and either fails to deliver, has nobody to deliver to or delivers and theres nobody there and Nichols has been poor generally. These three guys need to be sorted out. I think Halloran needs some work AND the midfield need to get up more quickly to support his breaks, Nichols needs to lose kilos and adjust his attitude and Nijland hasn't fit in and should be let go.
Ballymore
Guest
Very possible, it would't have been a straight 4 from 4 though.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Wsw77, I'm far from offended. I've seen and read much worse. I have no problem with your opinion. Just if you're going to share it then don't leave me hanging. Id much rather discuss this then you feel a need to point it out every time we come across one another.
Australian Rules
Guest
Stevo, you know what irony is? It's when during the dying minutes of the biggest ALeague game of the year, and you're wondering about what Andrew Demetriou is thinking.
WSW77
Guest
I hope you are not offended by what I said, that's not my intention at all! I just think that sometimes you tend to not stop and listen to others, please don't be offended its just my opinion. I'll register on the forum and we can discuss this in private, it's what I should of done, my apologies.
Cameron
Roar Guru
WSW77, I don't see it that way for I like discussions. Just a quick question, if my opinion was the only one that counted then why do you persist? If that's the way you feel, well that's you're problem. Make sure your opinion is heard. I heard it. I just replied. And please go further into this opinion about my journalistic experience or aspirations?? you've got my full attention and you will be heard :)
Ian
Guest
broich and berisha Roarsome. We've done pretty well the last two years and its only last season Broich got moved to a marquee spot. we did the double in 2011 with no marquees
Ian
Guest
Enjoyment of Australia counts for Broich and Berisha also. They could still be overseas playing. Australia and the A-League are lucky we can offer that as part of the playing experience. "Wanderer' offers nothing. Glad Hersi went - he deserved it. Butthurt for him Wanderer.
Alexander Grant
Roar Pro
News just in: "Standard of play in A-League not as high as other nations" Who would have thought? Did you also consider that perhaps his increased game time, enjoyment for Australia and other factors have contributed to him playing a better game? No need for the classless response.
Alexander Grant
Roar Pro
Pertakis might find himself with another start. He was quiet tonight but I'll take that as a good thing. Mooy will have to be there to replace Hersi... IF he is deemed fit enough. Plus, he has lacked a bit of game time now. Not so sure, maybe a bench start?
Roarsome
Guest
Perhaps Brisbane v CCM a few years ago. I'm not sure though.
Roarsome
Guest
Are you sure you're not just smelling Western Sydney? I was quoting the conversation I am having with a few guys in Japan who were commenting how Shinji was a bench player here before moving to WSW.
WSW77
Guest
One thing... Have you ever noticed that your opinion and your opinion only count's? Ever stopped to think and analyse that? Please don't get me wrong but as someone that is studying to be a Jurno, you do tend to be a little square minded. Glad to see your supporting the A-League and just for the record's I'm not releasing any chickens but I must say: Bye Bye...
Wanderer
Guest
Can smell the crap from your mouth Butthurt is butthurt
Cameron
Roar Guru
I have a feeling Victory will win this one 3 - 2. And no I don't want that to happen.
Cameron
Roar Guru
Go the Roar :( :)
Midfielder
Guest
Bring it on bang a gong Mariners are better.... MV to suffer on Sunday... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVEhDrJzM8E
Cameron
Roar Guru
WSW 77, I know you just won but I ain't going anywhere. Only the Roar. I'm an A-league supporter more than anything!! Good luck to your team but: Do not count your chickens before they hatch for there is many a slip between a cup and a lip.