The top of the table clash would have been a much more enticing contest if Adelaide United hadn't been hit with a bunch of injuries in the past week.
The Reds go into the meeting with new league leaders Brisbane Roar without two of their star midfielders in Mathew Leckie and Marcos Flores, indicating that life may be tough for the visitors. The good news is that club captain Travis Dodd is back from an Achilles injury but will start on the bench.
Adelaide dropped their first match of the season against arch enemies Melbourne Victory last week and I'm afraid it may be two in a row here with the Roar in irresistible form coming off a 4-1 win over Wellington Phoenix at Westpac Stadium - a venue where they were not beaten in 24 previous matches.
With no serious injury worries, besides defender Shane Stefanutto who will miss again with a hamstring, the Roar are in a great position to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The Suncorp Stadium factor should allow the Roar to record a comfortable win as they have saluted five times and drawn once in six matches at the venue this season.
Verdict: Roar 2-0
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide UnitedDate: Saturday, 6 November 2010Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Local kick-off: 8.15pm local (9.15pm AEDT) Head-to-Head: All matches (played 17): Brisbane Roar wins 3, Adelaide United wins 8 (6 draws) Referee: Matthew Breeze
Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1, FS1 HD & Sky Sport 1 (NZ). Hyundai A-League club broadcast partner is ABC digital (Adelaide). To purchase tickets visit www.ticketek.com.au
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Michael THEOKLITOS (gk), 2. Matt SMITH, 3. Luke DEVERE, 5. Ivan FRANJIC, 6. Erik PAARTALU, 7. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 8. Massimo MURDOCCA, 9. Jean Carlos SOLORZANO, 11. REINALDO, 12. Matt MUNDY, 14. Rocky VISCONTE, 15. Matt McKAY (c), 17. Mitch NICHOLS, 20. Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 22. Thomas BROICH, 23. Milan SUSAK *one to be omitted* In: Rocky VISCONTE (promoted) Out: Nil Unavailable: Shane STEFANUTTO (Hamstring - 1 week), HENRIQUE (broken arm - indefinite)
Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 2.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 4.Iain FYFE, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS (c), 8.Adam HUGHES, 9.Sergio VAN DIJK, 12.Paul REID, 13.Travis DODD, 16.Inseob SHIN, 17.Iain RAMSAY, 18.Fabian BARBIERO, 20.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 24.Cameron WATSON, 26.Joe KEENAN In: Travis DODD (returns from injury), Joe KEENAN (short term contract) Out: Mathew LECKIE (knee - 10 weeks), Marcos FLORES (groin - one week) Unavailable: Daniel MULLEN (ankle - 2 weeks), Nigel BOOGAARD (ankle - 3 weeks), Lloyd OWUSU (knee - indefinite)
Match fact:Adelaide United striker Sergio van Dijk will be aiming to cement a spot in the Hyundai A-League's top five goal scorers when he comes up against his former club Brisbane Roar in this epic top of the table clash.
