Brisbane Roar will play an AFC Champions League qualifier at home on Tuesday night.
The prize?
A shot at Gus Poyet’s Chinese Super League big spenders Shanghai Shenhua next week for a place in the ACL group stage.
So there’s plenty at stake and for visitors who have an Aussie connection with former Wanderers fringe player Yianni Perkatis in their squad.
What’s more, Global talisman Misagh Bahadoran has been in touch with ex-Melbourne Heart player – and Philippines national team cohort – Iain Ramsay for some inside knowledge on Roar.
History-makers Global head to Suncorp on a high after becoming the first Philippines side to record an ACL win, beating Singapore club Tampines Rovers last week in the first preliminary round of qualifiers.
And the typical Brisbane humid conditions should suit the visitors, but Roar are desperate to make a mark in the ACL in their fourth attempt in the competition.
This issue will be, who plays for Roar? It’s a tricky one for John Aloisi to manage.
With a few days to recover from the Wanderers clash and Sydney FC on Friday night, expect a host of fresh faces for Roar who are managing two competitions with the A-League as well as a potential ACL qualifier in Shanghai next week.
Jacob Pepper is certain to anchor the midfield while Manuel Arana should be fresh enough to start up front with Brett Holman in behind, though the former Socceroo may only play part of the game as he works his way back to full fitness.
Youngsters Nick D’Agostino, Shannon Brady and Joe Caletti could also see game time.
Form
John Aloisi’s side look to be over their mini form slump, posting back-to-back wins in the Hyundai A-League.
Last week’s late 1-0 win over Wellington Phoenix was followed up by Saturday night’s stoppage-time 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers thanks to Brett Holman’s goal.
It’s been a good bounce back from Roar – who had lost three straight games before that – to move back up to third spot on the A-League ladder.
Global FC are currently between seasons, meaning while they’ll be fresh for this clash but perhaps a little underdone against a side that should be offer a higher level of intensity than Tampines Rovers.
Players to watch
For coach Toshiaki Imai attacking duo of Bahadoran and Azzawi is going to be key.
The pair not only scored the goals in the win over Tampines but have a great understanding between each other, with the link-up play and speed a real threat on the counter attack.
It will be crucial for the visitors that Goalkeeper Patrick Deyto – a Philippines international – has a big game, while Amani Aguinaldo and Paul Mulders bring experience and a hard-nosed edge at the back.
Roar boss John Aloisi has indicated he will make a few changes to his squad as he looks for some freshness it what will be a second match in three days.
It means the likes of Tommy Oar, Manuel Arana and Brett Holman, all substitutes against Wanderers on the weekend are likely to start.
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