In what is the first of two matches this week between these sides, Brisbane Roar will be hoping to make it three in a row when they host the top-of-the-table Melbourne Victory at Suncorp Stadium. Join The Roar from 7:15pm (AEST) for live scores and commentary.
The city of Brisbane is pulsating after the punishment given to Perth Glory by the FFA. While their position inside the top six is not yet guaranteed, a result here will sure it up.
The Victory meanwhile will be desperate to rectify their home embarrassment to the lowly Newcastle Jets. The Victory failed to convert in what was a sloppy performance by the home side.
Fortunately for the Victory, they still have a game in hand, a great chance to extend their lead up top.
The Victory walked out 1-0 winners in the previous fixture between these two sides in November last year. Brisbane however have won three out of their last five against the Victory and have not lost to them at home since November 2009.
The spotlight tonight will be set upon Besart Berisha, returning to Brisbane in opposition colours.
The return will certainly be an emotional one for the Albanian, having been instrumental in Brisbane’s success winning two championships with the club, scoring 48 times over 76 appearances. Berisha also won the golden boot in 2011-12 for the Roar.
Victory goalkeeper Nathan Coe could be looking at sitting out for the rest of season due to injury, which will significantly affect Victory’s title hopes. Lawrence Thomas gets another opportunity in front of goals. Connor Pain and Scott Galloway also come into the side.
The Roar include James Donachie and Shannon Brady into the side that defeated Adelaide last weekend, while Daniel Bowles makes way, serving a one-match suspension.
This fixture will have the attention of many across the nation as the race for top spot is mighty close, with five teams within one point of each other.
Prediction
Victory 2-1.
Will the Victory be able to bounce back from last week’s loss, or will the Roar make it three in a row as they march into the finals? Join The Roar from 7:15pm to find out.
TK
Guest
Pretty disappointing performance from brisbane again. Inconsistent is the one word description this season. Again obsessed with the back two thirds and the two flanks....strange given the success they had going more direct on goal last home game.
Bondy
Guest
Good game really enjoyed it ...
Easytiger
Roar Rookie
Great blog Athos, well done. You were spot on with your pre match prediction. Go Victory!
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Well we waited a good eight weeks for this match to happen and we can safely say that this match was worth the wait as both teams gave it their all tonight in what was a great performance with great intensity. The game was a match of two halves as the Victory dominated the opening half, scoring two quick goals thanks to a rocket by Carl Valeri before Besart Berisha silenced the home crowd, scoring against his former team and his first since March in his 100th A-League match. The Victory went into half time two goals in front and looked to continue their dominance early in the second half as Kosta Barbarouses hit the post early in the second half, however from then on it was all Brisbane as they continually pounded the Victory goal with countless attacks forcing the Victory defence into some sticky situations. The Roar were rewarded for their persistence as Matt McKay slotted home a goal to give the Roar some hope, however despite a valiant performance from the home side, they just could not find an equaliser as the Victory escaped with all three points. Both teams will very quickly regroup and shift their attention to Saturdays re-play where they will have another crack at each other. The win is one of significant importance for the Victory as they now go three points clear on top of the table with two games to go. At the end of the day it was the Victory with all three points as they defeated Brisbane 2-1 in front of 10,642 at Suncorp Stadium. Thank You for joining us on The Roar for tonight's A-League action, that's it for me, until next time, goodnight everyone.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Brisbane with the last chance of the match. Brattan quickly does a quick one-two and fires an ambitious attempt which goes well wide. There's the final whistle. The Victory hold on here to record a vital three points in what was a great game of football from both teams. At Full Time its Brisbane 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
93' We're into the last minute here as Brisbane look to move the ball forward, however it is Ansell who clears the ball away. Free kick Brisbane in midfield!
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
92' YELLOW CARD Donachie receives a yellow card after failing Pain on the wing, as he picks up his sides first card of the match. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
91' Great play by the Roar on the edge of the box, however no one is willing to pull the trigger. The Victory unable to clear as the Roar continue to apply great pressure. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
There will be four minutes added onto this match, plenty of time for lots of action to occur. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
87' Connor Pain immediately makes an impact as he brought down on the wing and Chris Beath calls a foul. Broxham crosses the ball into the box however it goes straight into the grasps on Jamie Young. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Substitution. OFF: DeVere ON: Jackson. Meanwhile the Victory make their final substitution. OFF: Khalfalla ON: Pain
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
85' The Victory now starting to attack again as Khalfalla releases Georgevski on the wing, however the left back's ball inside the box is intercepted as the Roar quickly transition of defence into attack. Five minutes to go. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
83' An attendance of 10,642 here in Brisbane, which is a fine crowd for a Wednesday night. More will be expected for the return match on Saturday, with more travelling fans expected also. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
82' Mahazi fires a shot from well outside the box and goes well wide of the goal. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
80' Ten minutes of regular time to go here in Brisbane. It is the Victory that lead but only just as the Roar continue to apply great pressure on the Victory as they look to find an equaliser. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
77' Here come the Victory. Ben Khalfalla very skilfully beats two players on the wing, before continuing to dribble along the wing, before he sends in a great ball however cannot find a Victory shirt. Roar 1-2 Victory
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
75' The Victory with another substitution. OFF: Barbarouses ON: Thompson. Archie will look to add an extra spark to the match that has been predominantly controlled by the Roar this half.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
74' Substitution OFF: Geria ON: Mahazi OFF: Petratos ON: Brady
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
72' Here come the Roar again as Lustica releases Kaluderovic who gets forced out wide by Ansell. The Roar win a corner here and the box is flooded with players for this corner. Brattan takes it yet again, however it surpasses everyone in the box as the Victory win a goal kick.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
71' Great play by the Roar, forcing the Victory into some desperate defending. Broich wonderfully weaved his way into the box, where he was brought down however the ref waves play on. The ball then works it way to the wing where the Victory manage to clear the ball. Roar 1-2 Victory