Brisbane Roar play host to Sydney FC on Monday in what is a key fixture in the race to secure a top-six spot in the A-League table.
Although Brisbane find themselves down in 10th position, a victory in their upcoming fixture would take them to within two points of their fifth-placed opponents.
Match preview
© Reuters
While the regular season is close to a conclusion and Melbourne City have already lifted the Premiers title, there is still plenty to play for further down the standings.
A poor run of form saw Brisbane Roar plummet into the bottom half of the table, yet seven points from their last four fixtures has kept them in contention for the Finals series.
Last time out, Nick Green's side came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at Wellington Phoenix, and they now sit five points behind the sixth-placed team with a match in hand.
Having previously lost three away fixtures in succession, the share of the spoils was a bonus, and Roar now know that only wins will do if they want to catapult themselves into the top six.
From Sydney FC's perspective, they are defending that position, and they have been rising to the occasion with a five-point haul from three encounters.
After draws with Adelaide United and Western United, a rousing second-half performance against Perth Glory led to a 4-1 victory being posted over the ninth-placed team.
Not only will Steve Corica be wary of a defeat in this match, but they end the regular campaign by playing Newcastle Jets, who are ninth but just three points behind.
All things considered, Sydney's goal difference should keep them ahead, yet a heavy defeat in this contest would open the door to a number of teams below them.
Although Sydney possess the third best away record in the division, they are without a win in their last three fixtures on their travels.
Team News
Green could keep changes to his Brisbane Roar side down to a minimum on the back of their comeback draw at Wellington.
Jordan Courtney-Perkins is pushing for a recall at left-back, as is Carlo Armiento further down that side of the pitch.
Barring any further fitness issues, Corica may see no reason to tinker with the Sydney FC team which thrashed Perth Glory.
Aaron Gurd and Alex Parsons have both been promoted back into the squad, but Diego Caballo misses out through injury.
Brisbane Roar possible starting lineup:
Holmes; Hingert, Neville, Aldred, Courtney-Perkins; Hore, Trewin, Gomulka, Lofthouse; O'Shea, Scepovic
Sydney FC possible starting lineup:
Redmayne; Grant, Rodwell, Wilkinson, King; Burgess, Brattan, Caceres; Lolley, Le Fondre, Mak
We say: Brisbane Roar 1-1 Sydney FC
With both teams coming into this fixture in form, it should prove to be competitive. Depending on how other results go, Sydney may be happy with a share of a spoils, but we feel that Brisbane's home advantage may lead to that outcome regardless.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
