Head Coach John Aloisi expects a strong reaction from his players in tomorrow night’s Hyundai A-League clash against Melbourne Victory.
Aloisi was disappointed with the final half-hour of the Roar’s 2-0 defeat against the Jets last round, but says his players have been driving high standards again on the training park this week.
“We know that we’ve had good performances where we haven’t got the results we would have liked. In the last half-hour last week, it wasn’t what we expect, and the players are driving those expectations,” Aloisi said following training on Thursday morning.
“They’re sticking together, they’re positive and they believe in what we’re doing. The reaction tomorrow night will be good.”
At Suncorp Stadium on Friday night, the Roar will face a Victory side who bring a five-game winning streak with them to Brisbane.
The return of young gun Stefan Mauk, who hasn’t started a Hyundai A-Legaue fixture since the second round, is sure to provide a boost for the hosts.
“It’s great for Stefan to be back,” Aloisi continued.
“He’s one of our signings this season that we knew could make our team stronger and more competitive. He hasn’t started since Round 2, so it’s important to have him back in, and you’ll see a lift, not only from him, but from the whole team.
“He very good at being the link between our midfield and the front three, and you could see, when he did play with Adam Taggart, that they have a great understanding.”
History is on the Roar’s side, particularly at Suncorp Stadium – a venue where they’re undefeated in five matches.
The visitors boast names such as Keisuke Honda & Ola Toivonen, but Aloisi says Brisbane can ill-afford to place too much attention to specific players in a deep Victory attack.
Brisbane’s Head Coach also believes there’s no better time to start building momentum than in front of Roar’s passionate supporters.
“We can’t wait. We know that we have a side that can beat the Victory,” Aloisi stated.
“It [the game] has come at a good time after the loss last week and we’re looking forward to playing them. We know they’re a good side and in-form too, but that makes it that extra bit special.
“I’m sure our supporters will be ready for it too. It’s always a big occasion when a team like the Victory come and our players are ready for the challenge.”
MATCH DETAILS
Hyundai A-League 2018/19 – Round 8: Brisbane Roar v Melbourne Victory
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Friday, 14 December (6:50pm KO)
Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Brendan WHITE (gk), 2.Dane INGHAM, 4.Daniel BOWLES, 6.Avram PAPADOPOULOS, 7.Thomas KRISTENSEN, 8.Jacob PEPPER, 9.Adam TAGGART, 11.Eric BAUTHEAC, 13.Stefan MAUK, 14.Alex LOPEZ, 17.Matt MCKAY (c), 19.Jack HINGERT, 21.Jamie YOUNG (gk), 22.Tobias MIKKELSEN, 23.Dylan WENZEL-HALLS, 24.Connor O’TOOLE, 26.Nick D’AGOSTINO, 33.HENRIQUE **two to be omitted**
Ins: 13.Stefan Mauk (returns from suspension), 26.Nicholas D’AGOSTINO (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 10.Brett HOLMAN (knee)
Melbourne Victory squad: 1.Matt ACTON (gk), 2.Storm ROUX, 3.Corey BROWN, 4.Keisuke HONDA, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 8.Terry ANTONIS, 9.Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10.James TROISI, 11.Ola TOIVONEN, 13.Birkan KIRDAR, 14.Thomas DENG, 16.Josh HOPE, 19.Rahmat AKBARI, 20.Lawrence THOMAS (gk), 21.Carl VALERI (c), 22.Nick ANSELL, 26.Nicholas SETTE, 30. Matthew Sutton (gk)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 22.Nick ANSELL (return from injury) 21.Nicholas SETTE (promoted), 30. Matthew Sutton (promoted)
Outs: Georg NIEDERMEIER (ankle – TBC)
Unavailable: Kenny ATHIU (hamstring – TBC), Jai Ingham (quad – TBC), 15.Raul BAENA (hamstring – TBC)
Referee: Adam Fielding
Assistant Referee 1: David Walsh
Assistant Referee 2: Nathan MacDonald
Fourth Official: Peter Green
VAR: Kris Griffiths-Jones
