The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Brisbane Roar’s attacking ranks are set to be boosted by the availability of Dimitri Petratos and Arana for Friday night’s A-League blockbuster against Melbourne City.
Neither player has made an appearance this season, with Petratos having battled an ankle injury and Spanish recruit Arana told to build up fitness after his arrival four weeks ago.
But it’s expected they will come into consideration, most likely for a bench spot, for the Roar’s second match at Suncorp Stadium in the space of six days.
Exactly where they fit in Brisbane’s new-look side is the pertinent question.
After Brisbane’s impressive 2-1 win over Perth Glory on Sunday, coach John Aloisi would be forgiven for not wanting to change too much.
Petratos was the team’s main creative outlet last season but faces a difficult task in unseating Brett Holman, who is looking increasingly comfortable at No.10.
Arana, meanwhile, is capable of playing anywhere in the front three but has the likes of Tommy Oar, Thomas Broich and Brandon Borrello ahead of him in the pecking order.
The 31-year-old, who has played most of his career in Spain’s Segunda Division but spent three seasons in La Liga, was a late arrival at the Roar and didn’t feature in any of their pre-season fixtures.
“It’s a good headache to have, options – we need options,” Aloisi said.
“We’ve got a game in five days and we might need to make changes, if players don’t recover well or if this game took a lot out of them.
“If we make (Asian) Champions League, which we’re preparing to make, we need a deep squad and that’s why we’ve brought in these players.”
Melbourne City have the benefit of a full seven-day break after beating Adelaide 2-1 on Friday night.
They did so without marquee star Tim Cahill, who was rested and should be fit to start alongside captain and strike partner Bruno Fornaroli.
A big crowd is expected at Suncorp as the match is City’s only away fixture in Queensland all season.
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Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
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