Brisbane Roar Set for First Home Showdown Against Sydney FC

Roar’s Suncorp Stadium Debut of the Season

Brisbane Roar are ready to launch their 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League campaign at home, facing off against Sydney FC at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night. After an opening weekend bye, the Roar enter Round 3 fresh, contrasting with a Sydney FC squad seeking redemption following back-to-back defeats on a demanding travel schedule that saw them in Japan and Auckland.

Battle-Scarred Sydney FC Looks to Recover

Sydney FC, led by head coach Steve Corica, arrives in Brisbane bruised but motivated. Their recent losses highlighted a need for cohesion and tactical adjustment, with a 0-2 defeat against Auckland FC underscoring early-season vulnerabilities. The Sky Blues will aim to recover in Brisbane, leveraging the intensity of past clashes to find momentum against a familiar A-League rival.

Fresh Faces and Local Talent Poised to Shine for Brisbane

Brisbane Roar’s roster boasts several new signings making their Suncorp Stadium debut, including Rafael Struick, Walid Shour, and Queensland prodigy Ivan Ozzi, who joined a refreshed lineup on Round 1. Core players like Sam Klein and Macklin Freke are anticipated to lead Roar’s strategy with high-energy play and solid defense. With a lineup blending youth and experience, head coach Ruben Zadkovich sees this game as an opportunity to build resilience and reward loyal fans with an electrifying performance.

What the Coaches Say

Ruben Zadkovich expressed confidence in the home support, saying, “We hope there’s a big turnout on Friday night. We want to get the job done for the crowd because they’re the ones who drive us forward.” Roar goalkeeper Macklin Freke added, “It’s been six, seven months since we played at Suncorp. I can’t wait for the roar of the home fans and for a hot Brisbane night to add pressure on Sydney.”

Team News: Key Returns and Notable Absences

Brisbane will regain Corey Brown, Florin Berenguer, and Quinn MacNicol, back from suspension, injury, and international duty. However, they will miss Neicer Acosta due to a training injury. Sydney FC faces its own lineup changes, notably without Douglas Costa, Joe Lolley, and Corey Hollman, all injured during last week’s travel grind.

Brisbane Roar Squad: 1. Macklin Freke (GK), 3. Corey Brown, 4. Ben Warland, 6. Joe Caletti, 7. Rafael Struick, 8. Walid Shour, 10. Florin Berenguer, 15. Hosine Bility, 16. Thomas Waddingham, 17. Harry Van Der Saag, 19. Jack Hingert, 21. Antonee Burke-Gilroy, 23. Keegan Jelacic, 24. Sam Klein, 26. Jay O’Shea (C), 27. Ben Halloran, 29. Matt Acton (GK), 30. Quinn MacNicol, 35. Louis Zabala, 43. Adam Zimarino.

Ins: 3. Corey Brown, 10. Florin Berenguer, 30. Quinn MacNicol, 43. Adam Zimarino.

Outs: 11. Neicer Acosta, 49. Ivan Ozzi.

Unavailable: Scott Neville (knee), Marcus Ferkranus (knee).

Sydney FC Squad: 1. Andrew Redmayne (GK), 4. Jordan Courtney-Perkins, 5. Hayden Matthews, 7. Adrian Segecic, 8. Anas Ouahim, 9. Patryk Klimala, 12. Harrison Devenish-Meares, 13. Pat Wood, 15. Leo Sena, 16. Joel King, 17. Anthony Caceres, 19. Mitch Glasson, 20. Tiago Quintal, 22. Max Burgess, 23. Rhyan Grant (C), 25. Jaiden Kucharski, 28. Nathan Amantidis, 33. Marin France, 37. Will Kennedy, 41. Alex Popovic.

Ins: 19. Mitch Glasson (promoted), 20. Tiago Quintal (promoted), 22. Max Burgess (return from suspension), 33. Marin France (promoted).

Outs: 6. Corey Hollman (ankle), 10. Joe Lolley (groin).

Unavailable: Aaron Gurd (foot), Douglas Costa (hamstring).

Historic Showdowns: Brisbane and Sydney Head-to-Head

The long-standing rivalry between Brisbane Roar and Sydney FC spans 20 A-League seasons, with both teams securing 19 wins from their 58 previous encounters. Last season’s clash saw Brisbane dominate with a 3-0 win, marked by Henry Hore’s double strike. With the head-to-head evenly matched, fans can expect another thrilling encounter as these clubs vie for an edge in their competitive history.

Match Details

Isuzu UTE A-League Men 2024/25

Round 3: Brisbane Roar vs. Sydney FC

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Milton

Date: Friday, 1 November

Kick-off: 6:35pm