A-League blog: Marco Monteverde looks at why the next three weeks could decide the Roar’s title hopes
BRISBANE Roar must cash in over the next three weeks against teams outside the top six.
IN what’s shaping as a tight battle for the A-League Premier’s Plate, Brisbane Roar must cash in over the next three weeks against teams currently outside the top six.
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After a tough period of just one point in three matches, including heavy losses to Melbourne Victory and Adelaide United, the Roar bounced back with an impressive 3-1 weekend away win over Sydney FC.
Other results were also kind to the Roar, who have moved up to second spot on the ladder, where they sit two points behind leaders Western Sydney.
Unless seventh-placed Perth Glory produce some late season heroics, the top six seems all but settled.
But what order the Wanderers, Roar, Melbourne City, the Victory, Sydney, and Adelaide finish in remains anyone’s guess.
Six of the Brisbane’s final seven regular-season matches are against current top six teams.
And the Roar will go in with confidence against them, having beaten all of them this season except the Victory.
But it’s going to be a tough ask for the Roar to win all six against their fellow contenders.
That’s why it’s imperative Brisbane pick up nine points in their next three games — against Central Coast Mariners, Newcastle Jets and the Glory.
Of the three games, home wins against the Mariners and the Jets should be lock-ins.
Facing the Glory in Perth on February 20 will be tougher, but if the Roar can stop Diego Castro, they will stop the Glory.
Brisbane’s cause will be undoubtedly be helped by the end of the Olyroos’ journey.
The Roar’s attack looked so much sharper in the win over Sydney. The return of Jamie Maclaren and Brandon Borrello from Olyroos duty meant a more mobile Brisbane forward line, which led to Thomas Broich again having a major impact on proceedings.
And it was obvious that Brisbane’s bench is much more lethal when Henrique is among the substitutes and can weave his magic in the second half against tiring defenders.
The Roar also looked much better in defence with the inclusion of Olyroo James Donachie in the back four.
Squad depth will play a huge part in determining which the title, and provided the Roar avoid a spate of injuries, they again have enough quality to give the championship a decent shake.
Originally published as A-League blog: Marco Monteverde looks at why the next three weeks could decide the Roar’s title hopes
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