Clashes between Sydney FC and the Brisbane Roar are always close and hard-fought affairs, and the Sky Blues are gearing up for another tough battle this weekend when they travel north to face Brisbane on its home turf at Suncorp Stadium.
Clashes between Sydney FC and the Brisbane Roar are always close and hard-fought affairs, and the Sky Blues are gearing up for another tough battle this weekend when they travel north to face Brisbane on its home turf at Suncorp Stadium.
In fourteen all-time clashes, Sydney has won four, the Roar three, with seven games ending in draws. But after scoring a dogged win over Newcastle with an under-strength side last Sunday, Sydney is confident of extending its winning record this weekend.
“Our aim was to get the result last week (against the Jets), go to Brisbane – have a good crack at it and then (it)comes to that Monday game (October 5) against the Central Coast,” said in-form Sydney defender, Simon Colosimo.
The mainstay of Sydney-s backline, Colosimo knows he and his team-mates will have their work cut out for them this weekend against a Roar side desperate to bounce back from a disappointing last-start loss to Perth.
“It-s going to be a tough game this week, Brisbane are one of those teams that don-t usually lose two on the trot or play badly in two games in a row. They-ve got 4 or 5 boys who can score goals and hurt you, not only team goals but individual goals. I-m expecting a very tough game.”
Coach, Vitezslav Lavicka echoed the sentiments of his star centre back, saying his side will need to contain Brisbane-s potent attack.
“Dangerous attacking part they have, especially Van Dyke and Miller, Hernandez. They are dangerous players,” he said.
The Czech manager has had some challenges of his own in recent weeks with a number of his players battling injury and three young stars away with the Qantas Young Socceroos.
“Difficult situation, but that is football. First couple of games (of) main season we had full squad, now during the one week we (are) changing everything but we accept it.”
“We need to improve but I hope that we will continue from the performance from the last game against Newcastle. We expect a tough game at Brisbane now but I trust our players.”
Karol Kisel will return to the Sky Blue lineup this weekend after overcoming illness, while the coach remains hopeful of having injured stars, Stephan Keller and John Aloisi at his disposal. The round-8 Hyundai A-League contest kicks-off at Suncorp Stadium at 3pm on Sunday afternoon.
