Brisbane Roar meet Perth Glory in Round 8 of the 2013-14 A-League season at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, November 30 at 5.30pm AEDT.
Brisbane Roar meet Perth Glory in Round 8 of the 2013-14 A-League season at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, November 30 at 5.30pm AEDT.
Head-to-head: Played: 25, Wins: Roar 15, Glory 5, Draws: 5
Previous encounter: Glory 0-1 Roar, January 26 2013
Form: Past five matches:
Roar: WLWWL Glory: LDDWW
The Game: Brisbane have been hard to stop - particularly when near full strength - and their home form suggests this trip will be tough for Glory. Mike Mulvey's Roar claimed top spot with a 3-1 win over Western Sydney last week and they will be hard to displace. With striker Besart Berisha back and scoring, the Roar look a formidable side who may only be able to be stopped by an injury crisis. Perth are winless in their past three but continue to be competitive with a strong defence making them hard to break down. The Glory will be without suspended captain Jacob Burns but could still make it tricky for the Roar.
The big issue: Roar - whether there may be a drop-off after overcoming the Wanderers in a blockbuster Friday night clash last time out. That is possibly the only thing stopping Brisbane from making it six wins in eight matches this season. Injuries and international call-ups slightly disrupted them, but they are back to their best and have players on the bench itching to have an impact. Young gun Kwame Yeboah is the pick of them with two tremendous goals this season.
Glory - Perth must overcome the loss of two of their back four. Scott Jamieson (Achilles) and marquee centre-back William Gallas (calf) have been ruled out for the trip to Brisbane. Against the league's best attack, it shapes as a huge challenge for coach Alistair Edwards' men. Steve Pantelidis is more than capable of filling in for Gallas, while Jamieson will be hard to replace. The duo's replacements will need to be at their best.
The game breaker: Ivan Franjic - the Socceroo capped off his 100th appearance in the A-League with a cracking goal against the Wanderers. Franjic's form led to a debut for Australia at right-back, but Mulvey has utilised him to good effect in a more advanced role. Franjic can have an impact in the attacking third and will be hoping to capitalise on Jamieson's absence, combining with full-back Jack Hingert down the right.