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After three weeks on the road, second placed Brisbane Roar return home to host sixth placed Adelaide United in Round 5 of the W-League.

Bouncing back from a shock loss at the hands of Canberra United, the Brisbane Roar have gone on to record three wins on the trot against Perth Glory, the Western Sydney Wanderers and, perhaps most satisfying, Canberra at their home ground.

Such was the team orientated performance that there could have easily been several players of the match for the Brisbane side after their disciplined performance against Canberra United.

On a stellar run of form, Katrina Gorry was correctly the official's choice but nothing could blemish an almost perfect day at the office for "deputy" goalkeeper Kate Stewart. Her timing, conviction and decision making  denied a pacy Canberra offense, repeatedly.

Other notable performances included goalscorer  Elise Kellond-Knight busily linking the momentum from defence to offence, Clare Polkinghorne marshaling the midfield and former United striker Hayley Raso's physicality and rapid assaults towards Matildas' No.1 Lydia Williams.  The markedly experienced Roar backline was also bolstered by the creativity of Vedrana Popovic and the tenacious return of Brooke Spence at full fitness; collectively proving difficult to break down and maintaining a shut out.

Adelaide United are poised to prove themselves as the surprise package this season.  With a win, draw and two tight losses against Melbourne and Perth, Adelaide are an outside but possible chance to push for an eventual top 4 finish.

Last week's final minute 1-0 loss proved painful considering how well they had held out the Perth Glory.  Strong performances from the United back line and an almost game saving performance from Melissa Barbieri almost saw the Lady Reds hold on for a valuable point. While Lisa Marie Wood, Tiarn Powell and Kristy Moore also continued their good start to the season.

Despite their recent performances, this weekend will prove Adelaide's toughest examination yet against a redhot Brisbane outfit looking to cement their place near the top of the W-League ladder.  

Woods, Powell, Moore and Barbieri will again be the keys in this match as will the returning Alex Gummer, already with two goals this season and the newly recruited but W-League experienced Snez Veljanovska.  Cool heads will be needed to break down and place consistent pressure on the dynamic Roar midfield and Woods and Moore will have this responsibility.  

For Brisbane, it is a case of 'go on as you are'.  A relatively settled line up was the key to their premiership winning late run last season, and with Matildas duties out of the way, Wilson will be looking for the same consistency.

Gorry remains the key and protected by Polkinghorne and Kellond-Knight, she makes this Roar team tick.  With Raso, Larissa Crummer and Amy Chapman, there are also plenty of goals in the front third to back up the solid work of the defence.

Last time Adelaide played Brisbane was in Round 10 of Season 5, where there was an absolute goal fest on display for the Queensland home crowd.  Emily Gielnik was the star with an hat trick in her team's resounding 6-2 victory while Kristy Moore found herself on the score sheet for the Lady Reds.

Head to Head: Played 7, Brisbane 6, Draw 1

Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United

Sunday 15 December 2013

Queensland Sports & Athletic Centre (QSAC), Brisbane

Local kick-off: 2pm (3pm AEDT)

** Catch all the action Live* at 3.00pm on ABC1. Or catch up from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Thursday (*live in AEDT states)

Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Nadine ANGERER (gk), 2. Laura ALLEWAY, 3. Amy CHAPMAN, 4. Clare POLKINGHORNE, 5. Brooke SPENCE, 6. Joanne BURGESS, 7. Kim CARROLL, 8. Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9. Larissa CRUMMER, 10. Katrina GORRY, 11. Vedrana POPOVIC, 12. Erika ELZE, 13. Tameka BUTT, 14. Natasha WHEELER, 16. Hayley RASO, 19. Ayesha NORRIE, 20. Kate STEWART (gk) (two to be omitted)

Ins: Erika ELZE (promoted), Tameka BUTT (returns from injury)

Unavailable: Emily GIELNIK (quad – one week)

Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa BARBIERI (gk), 3. Alexandra GUMMER, 4. Tegan RIDING, 5. Jessie WHAREPOURI, 6. Laura STOCKDALE, 7. Rachael QUIGLEY, 9. Lisa-Marie WOODS, 12. Daila TAIS-BORG, 14. Jayah BROWN, 15. Jenna McCORMICK, 17. Tiarn POWELL, 19. Daniela DI BARTOLO, 20. Kelly BARLTROP (gk), 21. Snez VELJANOVSKA 23. Kristy MOORE (C)

Ins: Alexandra GUMMER, Tegan RIDING, Rachael QUIGLEY (all promoted)

Outs: 10. Monique IANNELLA, 11. Isabel HODGSON, 16. Jessica WATERHOUSE (all omitted)

Unavailable: 2. Bianca GRAY (knee - 12 months)