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.
pacman
Guest
Agree Waz, with Arana to come off the bench for whoever needs subbing (not a defender), and it could quite likely be a tiring Broich. He looked very fit yesterday, but a second match in 5 days?
Bob
Guest
apart from one change in the subs I dont think any changes will be made
Waz
Guest
Aloisi would be foolish not to make changes to the starting XI. Roar worked very hard yesterday and only have five days to turn around, the defence looks set so it's either a midfield or attacking change. Dimi in for Oar would be my pick, possibly drop Broich although he is notoriously fit so it may not be such an issue