Brisbane Roar vs Melbourne City Match preview

Team News

Apart from the returning Socceroos, the introduction of Henrique proved to be a successful return for the cult hero. After being out since March, Henrique finally returned to the field and provided the winning goal in a tightly-fought contest against Perth. While he claimed the plaudits, a certain new Spanish signing also signalled his debut in the A-League. Javi Hervas got an assist with his first touch in the league, delightfully playing a slight dink to the Brazilian. His elevation into first team contention makes the Brisbane Roar look more than covered in terms of options throughout midfield. More skills such as these and he will prove to be another shrewd purchase by John Aloisi.

However, Thomas Broich and Daniel Bowles are both in doubt for the clash, with both players suffering knocks in the Perth game and with only a five day turnaround it may prove too soon for either player to take the field. This will mean a first start of the season for James Donachie and Henrique to slot into Broich’s position.



For City, skipper Patrick Kisnorbo looks to have shrugged off any injury problems he had for the Wanderers game and will retake his place in the starting lineup. Erik Paartalu also makes a return to his former club as the multiple championship-winning midfielder gains more match fitness in his return from injury.

Melbourne City Expected XI (4-3-3): Sorensen (GK); Garuccio, Champman, Kisnorbo, Retre; Melling, Mooy, Paartalu; Novillo, Fornaroli, Kuzmanovski.

Head-to-Head

These teams are even in the head-to-head statistics with Melbourne City emerging the winner with seven wins from the 15 previous meetings compared to Brisbane’s six. Only two games have finished in draws, suggesting that there should be a winner this Friday night.