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Roar preparing hot welcome for Wanderers

3 minute read

It's a genuine six-pointer in the A-League finals race and Brisbane defender Scott Neville is preparing a hot reception for Western Sydney on Friday.

SCOTT NEVILLE of the Glory celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time during the A-League Semi Final match between the Perth Glory and Adelaide United at HBF Park in Perth, Australia.
SCOTT NEVILLE of the Glory celebrates after scoring a goal in extra time during the A-League Semi Final match between the Perth Glory and Adelaide United at HBF Park in Perth, Australia. Picture: Will Russell/Getty Images

Brisbane Roar defender Scott Neville knows first-hand how horrible a trip to Suncorp Stadium can be for an A-League club.

The former Perth, Newcastle and Western Sydney player is eager to make sure Friday's trip to Queensland for the Wanderers is as hostile as it can be.

"From previous experience playing against Brisbane in Suncorp it's a nightmare, I'm not going to lie to you," Neville said.

"It's hot. It's humid. It's a big stadium and we're a team that keeps the ball.

"If we can keep the ball and get on the board early, it'll put a lot of pressure on Western Sydney and that's what we'll be looking to do."

Friday's game is a pivotal one in the A-League finals race.

Brisbane's loss to Melbourne City last weekend has left Robbie Fowler's team sixth on the ladder, holding on to a finals position by just two points.

The Wanderers' 1-0 derby win over Sydney FC has them eighth, level on points with seventh-place Western United.

Friday's game is one of five at home in Roar's final seven matches of the regular season, a situation Neville said they are eager to make the most of.

"That's huge for us and if we can continue the form we've been on, bar last week where we got beat ... win as many games as possible, we'd love to shoot up that ladder," he said.

The Roar will have to make do without Welsh forward Aaron Amadi-Holloway, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury sustained in last weekend's loss to City.

There is also some doubt over Jacob Pepper, who missed training on Friday due to illness.

The Wanderers head north without Daniel Georgevski, who is suspended for two matches after his red card in the derby but Olyroos midfielder Keanu Baccus returns from injury for the visitors.

KEY MATCH STATS

* Western Sydney's four match unbeaten run is their longest in the A-League since a six-match run at the start of the 2017-18 season.

* Western Sydney have won two and drawn the other of their past three visits to Suncorp Stadium.

* Brisbane's 2-1 win on New Year's Day was their first victory against the Wanderers in seven matches.

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