We open the curtains to a new A-League season at Pirtek Stadium, where the Western Sydney Wanderers take on the Brisbane Roar. Join The Roar for all the action from 8:00pm (AEST).
These teams have played each other 11 times, the Wanderers winning five of those with four being drawn.
In Parramatta, Brisbane have taken three points only once, defeating the red and blacks 0-1 last season.
The Wanderers let go of 17 players in the off-season, meaning they have virtually a new squad.
Three Spanish players – Alberto Aguilar, Dimas Delgado and Andreu Mayoral – will add some flair to their midfield. International marquee Federico Piovoccari takes over the No.9 spot from Socceroo Tomi Juric, who will team up with new Australian marquee Dario Vidosic at the top of the park.
Asian Champions League hero Ante Covic is replaced by Melbourne City’s Andrew Redmayne.
One very big change occurred at the Roar in the off-season as John Aloisi took over as head coach from interim coach Frans Thijssen.
In the way of player movement, only one major change has been made, bringing in Jamie Maclaren to the front line from Perth Glory. The Olyroos striker had an impressive strike rate for club and country last season, and he replaces departed Andrija Kaluderovic.
Although there wasn’t a tidal wave of signings coming in, after cutting plenty of deadweight Aloisi can focus on providing support for young prospects like Brandon Borello, Devante Clut and James Donachie.
Prediction
The first match of the season is always difficult, but considering Western Sydney are deeper into the FFA Cup race than Brisbane (who they beat to
progress) and have home advantage, I favour them.
Western Sydney 2-1 Brisbane
Jeshua
Guest
Sorry mate, his arm was in an unnatural position and he got an advantage. Hence, good call ref.
jbinnie
Guest
Waz - A strange statement to make about a volunteer providing a service.I watched the game and was mightily impressed by much of what was on view and I think it is fair to say WSW did have opportunities and failed to capitalise on them.Their best player on the night was ex Roar man Nichols who I thought compared well with any other midfielder on show,in fact (never having been an admirer of the player) I thought his work rate has improved over 100%. Roar????.Under the circumstances a very good start to the season but I found myself watching closely all of the players and their contributions on the night.I think Nic was right in his observations,IMO the whole of Roar's right flank can be improved,not necessarily by changing players but by switching the players.Robbie Slater passed a comment that McLarens pace is devastating when working those channels down either side of the central defenders and I wholeheartedly agree with that but still cannot place Borella as a winger just as I cannot place Petratos as a hard working mid-fielder. To get the best out of these 3 would necessitate a simple switch,move Borella to the lone striker role,move Petratos to the right wing where he would get time and space to use his favourite practice, attacking men,a dangerous tactic for a midfielder in a team set up to move the ball accurately and quickly.ThIs would conserve greatly McLaren's energy to occupy those channels described by RS. All in all there is much for JA to work on but I would not discount the chances that were created, and spurned ,by WSW. Cheers jb
Lionheart
Guest
Quality effort by Roar, away at Wanderland. Aloisi has done a good job preparing these guys in difficult circumstances. Corona looked class, and McLaren too. Lots of improvement still, with McKay, DeVere, Solórzano, Henrique and Hervas all missing tonight. Roar fans need to embrace their team.
Johnno
Guest
You have to be kidding? That's all the self-appointed "best fans in the league" can muster to the season opener? It's going to be a long, or season. Maybe you could try report the game with some neutrality next time.
Josh
Guest
Yeah no one is particularly upset about the result, it was a dominant match let down by some stupid errors, I'm sure the paint would have peeled off in the dressing room after the match. Looking a lot better than last season, a few more weeks to settle in and it's go time.
Midfielder
Guest
Gotta say as a neutral the Drive Bys should have won tonight missed by my count 3 sitters and conceded awful goals the first a poor back pass, the two corners OMG ,, If I were a Drive By fan my only concern is in goals just think they have maybe the worst keeper,
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Both defences looked nervy at times and I don't think Redders covered himself in glory for Roar's goals that came from crosses. He did make a great shot-save in the second half. Theo on the other hand commanded the goal square. Corona showed enough to suggest he's going to be influential this season. He directs traffic, talks to team mates and gets stuck in with nice touches. Maclaren is a very good pickup and could find himself in contention for the Golden Boot if he stays injury free. Looks like Roar could be there abouts this season while WSW needs to work on capitalising on chances. Good game as an opener.
Waz
Guest
Reporting like a Wanderers fan there Nic ;)
kurt
Guest
Wheres the positives about brissie
144
Roar Guru
IT GETS BIGGER - IT GETS BETTER - IT'S THE A-LEAGUE WE'RE BACK WITH A BANG That's all from me tonight - thanks for everyone for tuning in Don't forget the Socceroos continue their WCQ in Jordan at 1:00AM (AEST) THANKS EVERYONE!!! #BeautifulGame
144
Roar Guru
Thanks Matty!!
144
Roar Guru
MY 3 PLAYER VOTES FOR THIS MATCH 3 POINTS - Jamie Mclaren - 2 goals 2 POINTS - Corona - 1 assist 1 POINT - Daniel Bowles - 1 goal and 4 possession winning tackles (most by any player tonight)
Matthew Tomczyk
Roar Pro
3-1 was a little flattering in the end. The Wanderers had so much ball but their corner deliveries and finishing let them down at the end of the day. Watching the second half you would have thought it was all WSW but the damage was done in the first 45. Nice calling Nicholas
144
Roar Guru
Thanks TK Cheers!!!
144
Roar Guru
FULL TIME Wanderers failed to capitilise on the chances that they were given. You'll have to admit that the Roar defence was compromised a number of times especially through Jack Hingert. Piovoccari should have been on the scoresheet and there is no way Poppa won't have anything to say about it. Mitch Nichols scored the equaliser but set up Piovoccari and Castalen many times but no-one stepped up to the plate. It was the Castalen show as he had four shots and the most than any player in the entire match with six.
TK
Guest
Thanks for the call Nicholas - sounded like an action packed game and great start for Brisbane's season coming out of Wanderland with 3 points.
144
Roar Guru
FULL-TIME WELCOME BACK TO THE BIG TIME JOHN ALOISI It's finished on the opening night in Parramatta as two goals for Jamie Mclaren on the young players debut gave Brisbane the first three points of the season.
144
Roar Guru
SUBSTITUTION ROAR OFF: STEVEN LUSTICA ON: GEORGE LAMBARDARIDIS
144
Roar Guru
SHOT WIDE - ANDREU
144
Roar Guru
4 added minutes