A revamped Western Sydney Wanderers will face league leaders the Brisbane Roar in a must win match tonight. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:45pm (AEDT).
The Wanderers, after coming off of a decent ACL performance mid-week, will field a full strength squad, most of whom were rested for the vital match tonight that will either make or break their top-two-finishing prospects.
And Brisbane, despite being crowned league winners, will look to finish the competition well, with A-League finals’ looming around the corner.
In previous match-ups, the Wanderers lost 3-1 to the Roar in Round 7, and played out a stalemate in Round 18, which ended 1-1. Recent form also favours the the Roar who have four wins and one draw from their past five encounters.
The Wanderers have won just two of their past five matches.
Decisive Factor
Tony Popovic’s rotation policy may be the decisive factor for the Wanderers, who will need to throw everything they have at Brisbane if they are to find a result tonight. Spiranovic played just 25 minutes in the Wanderers’ unfortunate loss away to Yokohama midweek.
The towering utility defender will be key in stopping Brisbane’s defence, as will Topor-Stanley, who stayed in Sydney while his team travelled to Japan. Appiah-Kubi could be an unlikely starter, after a stand out performance against Yokohama Marinos.
Brisbane also have the luxury of a full squad this week, with the return of Ivan Franjic after three weeks out, and Luke Brattan who spent Round 25 on the sidelines due to a knee injury. Whether Mulvey plays the attacking duo or not is unknown, and as there is no need to risk them, he may be tempted to try some fringe players and test his squad’s depth.
Berisha is of course suspended for one match, which opens up the door for Henrique or Soloranzo to get an unlikely start. Whatever the case, we’ve seen Brisbane grind out results in the most unlikely of circumstances this season, so to ride them off would be naïve. Look out for Petratos, McKay and Brattan when in possession.
Prediction
Western Sydney’s ACL experience this season will prove to strengthen, rather than hinder their chances in this match. 2-1 to Wanderers.
tickbites
Guest
Brisbane still have a home game left... Next season's goal achieved apparently.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Brisbane fans will be happy to know that they've beaten WSW for total season attendance, 195k to 193k over 13 home games. Both teams should be looking to surpass 200k next season.
Dyssius
Guest
So 2nd place is in wanderer's hands now because of the CCM loss. Just need a win next week...and hope CCM don't score like 10 goals :P
AZ_RBB
Guest
You also missed a comma in there as well. Shocking stuff, James.
tickbites
Guest
A goal saving tackle?! That was a massive foul and he was the last defender. He did not at any point touch the ball.
tickbites
Guest
Also many lols describing brattan (DM) and franjic (RB) as an "attacking duo". I guess when you're one of two teams in tbe league that actually plays attacking football it's bound to happen.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Amazing final round coming up. 4 teams battling for that coveted second spot which I believe also gets you an ACL spot, at least a qualifying spot. WSW have the advantage but it won't be easy for any of the teams as they will all be playing away from home.
Pablo
Guest
Moderated for questioning your GURU status .... really?
tickbites
Guest
Probably could've assumed that he wasnt "acting up" considering the pure thugishness of western Sydney wounderers throughout this match. Shouldve been at least 5 yellow cards for professional fouls in the second half alone. Absolutely disgusting display.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Appalling tackle. No idea where the ref was looking. If it wasn't so late in the game it would've had a higher chance of being punished. We're very appreciative of what Shinji brought to us. He left his family behind and joined a club which at that time didn't even have enough to have a starting XI. Absolute gentleman.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Realised it was definitely worse on replay. And should have been at least yellow Def played for a card. Wasnt speculating about injury.
Stevo
Guest
No doubt about that.
Pablo
Guest
Any thoughts on Appiahs tackle ? And i look forward to what you guys will do when a player leaves after 3 years if you get fireworks after 2. Jersey No 21 should be retired.
AZ_RBB
Guest
What a great game of football. No surprises Brisbane were top class but I'm happy that WSW picked up their game in the second half. Absolute joy to be in that stadium for those 90mins. A wonderful celebration of football, western Sydney and the contribution of an awesome Japanese gentleman.
Ian
Guest
Acting up staying down....wow. Definite yellow good chance a red for drawing blood with studs, Nice call. But its WSW. Polenz has got away with it all year.
Elisha Pearce
Expert
Clapping and confetti around the ground as Ono leads the side around the edge of the pitch.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
On the balance of play the Wanderers were unlucky not to win, though Brisbane played valiantly away from home, and both teams had their moments to take the win. Thanks for tuning in, see you next time
James Anderson
Roar Guru
So true
Jonny
Guest
Can't believe a coach of any team would be giving his player support for that kind of challenge. If it was Berisha that made the challenge he would have gotten a straight red.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Thats the match. Wanderers hang by a thread, and rely on Perth to get a result tonight if they are to have a chance for 2nd position. Western Sydney Wanderers 1 - 1 Brisbane Roar Final Score'