Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City highlights: Maclaren secures Roar win

Match Review:

The Brisbane Roar have secured their third straight win courtesy of a 1-0 victory over a stuttering Melbourne City side.

Despite setting up to play on the back foot with City pressing, it was the Roar who struck first with their game plan working to a tee in the 11th minute.

Some determined work by Brett Holman in midfield allowing Thomas Broich to pass to Thomas Oar in the box whose heavy first touch favoured Jamie Maclaren who was able to slide home.

An attacking City side were caught out at the back as they themselves failed to register a shot on target in the first 45 minutes despite dominating possession.

It was much the same in the second-half with poor deliveries from set pieces squandering the bulk of City’s threat in attack.

Brisbane’s defence standing tall as the Roar went close to doubling their advantage through Maclaren who shot straight at Bouzanis before chipping wide in consecutive minutes.

A genuine threat on the counter. Brisbane should have extended their lead against a very fragile City side but couldn’t find the killer blow.

Melbourne City somehow holding on at 1-0 but never looking likely of equalising late on as they failed to register a shot on target.

The Roar putting in a spirited and well executed performance to nullify what was a frustrated and at times fragile City side.

Brisbane leapfrogging City into second on the table with a third consecutive win.

Final Score:
Brisbane Roar 1
Melbourne City 0

Match Preview:

After respective 2-1 wins last week, the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City will do battle at Suncorp Stadium as they look for some early season consistency. Join us on The Roar from 7:50pm AEDT for all of the action.

It was a slumberous start to the season for the Roar who managed a last-gasp draw with Melbourne Victory before a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Newcastle Jets.

Waking from their slumber, Brisbane have then registered back to back wins – a 1-0 victory over the Mariners before last week’s 2-1 win against Perth Glory.

Both Jamie Maclaren and Brandon Borrello picked up their first goals of the season last week and will need to keep scoring if the Roar are to challenge for a title.

Boasting a ridiculously strong squad, Melbourne City started their campaign with consecutive wins including a 4-1 derby demolition of the Victory before falling to the Glory 3-2 a fortnight ago.

Picking themselves up quickly, City then booked an FFA Cup final place and overcame Adelaide United 2-1. A double from Bruno Fornaroli proved the difference last week, with the Uruguayan seemingly losing none of his hunger for goals.

Both squads are looking a little stronger this week as the Roar promote Arana, Nathan Konstandopoulos and Dimitri Petratos with Joey Katebian left out due to illness.

City meanwhile welcome back an experienced trio of Ivan Franjic, Tim Cahill and Michael Jakobsen with Ruon Tongyik omitted.

Prediction
My gut says Roar but mind says City, so on that note I’m going with a 2-2 draw. Two explosive attacks up against at times shaky defences, goals shouldn’t be too hard to come by and whatever the result, I’m expecting an absolute blockbuster of a contest.

So can the Roar make it three wins in a row or can City reinforce their title credentials? Join us on The Roar from 7:50pm AEDT to find out as the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City face off at Suncorp.