A-League Preview: Brisbane Roar - Melbourne Victory

Can Ernie Merrick's troupe bounce back?

Nov 21, 2009 6:08:29 AM

More On :  Brisbane Roar, Melbourne Victory, Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne Victory
Charlie Miller, Brisbane Roar (Getty Images)
Saturday, 21 November, 07:00pm AEDT
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
A-League, Round 15

Saturday night's clash will round up a thrice of matches between these two sides this season.

Brisbane Roar are a team looking to gain some rhythm and continuity. They head into this match with a glimmer of confidence after last week's somewhat fortuitous win over Adelaide United, whereby Sergio Van Dijk's brace was enough to steer Brisbane to their first win in six games, and their first under Ange Postecoglou.
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The former South Melbourne Hellas and Australian Joeys coach said during the week that he was looking to exploit Melbourne's defensive woes, although he conceded that his own side's defence, too, needs shoring up.

He said, “They [Melbourne] have leaked goals... a bit like us, and I’m sure that’s playing on their minds.

“We can get up on a team that’s leaking goals so there are both strengths and weaknesses that we need to try and exploit.”

Veteran stopper Craig Moore's presence could prove key for Brisbane given the task of subduing arguably the league's most feared attacking unit. Moore put in a sturdy showing for the Socceroos in their Asian Cup qualifying match against Oman, and has told the press that he'll be looking to replicate that form when he faces the reigning champions.

Charlie Miller's return to the frame is another plus for the Queenslanders, who have missed the Scotman's creative services since he succumbed to a groin injury little over a month ago.

Melbourne Victory have lost only one in six matches at the Suncorp; their season largely characterised by an impeccable away record and a somewhat mediocre home record.

However, their away results aside, the Victory suffered their biggest defeat of the season last round when they were decimated at home by an industrious yet efficient Central Coast Mariners outfit. Ernie Merrick and his men have been left to ponder that defeat over the two-week international break.

One week can be a long time in football, let alone two – particular with a 4-0 loss hanging on your shoulders. Victory defender Matthew Kemp summed up the camp's mood after the defeat.

"To be honest, I would rather have played [immediately] after the last result," he said. "When you take a heavy loss like that you just want to get back out there and set it straight.

"We're really hurting from that game and... we'll be fired up for it."

TEAM NEWS

Brisbane Roar

The return of Charlie Miller and Tommy Oar will come as a big relief to Ange Postecoglou. The recently appointed coach has not had the pleasure to field the former in his starting line-up, and will relish having the Scot's creative influence at the team's disposal.

In: Charlie Miller (returns from injury), Tommy Oar (returns from international duty), Bob Malcolm (promoted), Liam Reddy (returns from injury)
    
Out: Matt Action (end of short-term contract)

Possible Line-up: (4-3-3) McMaster, Packer, Malcolm, Moore, DeVere, Tiatto, McKay, Nichols, Van Dijk, Reinaldo

Melbourne Victory

Ernie Merrick will be buoyed by the return of Evan Berger and Robbie Kruse - particularly the latter, who will be hell-bent on sticking one over his former side. Youngster Mate Dugandzic has enjoyed a healthy run in the first team of late, although Ney Fabiano could get the nod ahead of his budding team-mate this week.

In: Evan Berger (return from injury), Matthew Foschini (promoted), Robbie Kruse (return from injury), Nick Ward (return from injury)     

Out: Nil

Possible Line-up: (4-2-3-1) Moss, Kemp, Vargas, Muscat, Leijer, Broxham, Brebner, Hernandez, Suksomkit, Fabiano, Suksomkit

FORM GUIDE

Brisbane Roar

Oct 11.  Brisbane Roar 0-1 Gold Coast United
Oct 17.  Brisbane Roar 0-3 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 25.  Sydney FC 2-1 Brisbane Roar
Oct 30.  Brisbane Roar 1-1 Newcastle Jets
Nov 6.   Adelaide United 0-2 Brisbane Roar

Melbourne Victory

Oct 9.   Melbourne Victory 0-3 Sydney FC
Oct 18. Newcastle Jets 1-3 Melbourne Victory
Oct 24. Melbourne Victory 3-1 Adelaide United
Nov 1.  Perth Glory 1-2 Melbourne Victory
Nov 7.  Melbourne Victory 0-4 Central Coast Mariners

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Tommy Oar (Brisbane Roar) – The exciting youngster loves to raid down the wings and could prove a handful for Melbourne's full-backs. Despite the lack of end product from the Young Socceroo, all signs show that he is a player on the rise. His ex-coach, Frank Farina, has backed the player to be Australia's 'Theo Walcott', and given his pedigree, one cannot disagree.

Carlos Hernandez (Melbourne Victory) – Melbourne's main creative outlet, and their most potent attacker thus far this season. Hernandez has been simply outstanding, scoring goals and creating opportunities at will. His omission from Costa Rica's squad for the ill-fated World Cup qualifying play-offs with Uruguay will only spur him on to prove

PREDICTION

Despite being on the end of a 4-0 humbling at the hands of the Central Coast Mariners, the 'Victory' possess a favourable away and head-to-head record. But one cannot discount a budding Brisbane Roar outfit, led by a coach hell-bent on putting one over his hometown side - which could be enough to topple the reigning champions.

Brisbane Roar 2-1 Melbourne Victory
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