Still sitting pretty in the Australia’s pemier division, Western Sydney Wanderers have this season been rewarded for their tenacity after dethroning Brisbane Roar at the tables summit.
The new kids on the Australian block this week face their league rivals in a crunch fixture, Tony Popovic will know more than anyone they can’t be dismissive of the roar despite their harrowing form – a task made even more difficult by the ommision of suspended skipper Nikolai Topor-Stanley.
Brisbane’s last three games have seen them winless, shipping plenty of goals in the process, 6 to Perth Glory and 3 to Adelaide United – saying that, both sides have shared the bragging rights this season all ready, firstly the Roar with a 3-1 opening day win, and the Wanderers with a 2-1 return victory.
Popovic has this to say about the tie;
“If you just look at their (Brisbane’s) results, then you feel maybe they’re not doing well,”
“But if you look at their games closely, they’ve played well in large parts and they’ve controlled a lot of those matches.
“We’re not taking them lightly. They’re up the top of the table for a reason. They’re having a very good season and we know what to expect tomorrow: a really difficult match … they’re very strong at home.
“We want to stamp our authority on the game and perform very well.”
Talking about his options to replace the suspended skipper Topor-Stanley, Popovic wa as clearly still mulling over the possible inclusion of Brendan Hamill or youngster Jonathan Aspro.
“Brendan wasn’t involve last week, he’s been out now for such a long time, and young Jonathan was unfortunate getting his red card (against Wellington Phoenix).
“We’ve got two players that are fit and fresh, and they’ve both put their hand up and want to play tomorrow night.
“We’ll make a decision but regardless of who plays, we’re confident they’ll do a good job.”