semi_brisbaneThe second semi-final sees two old foes go head to head once again in the fiercest rivalry in the Westfield W-League as defending champions Brisbane Roar host Sydney FC at QSAC. The Season Four battles between these two frenemies have continued to be line-ball encounters and Sunday promises to be no different.

After a slow and interrupted start to the season, the Brisbane Roar are the form team of the competition having picked up 20 of the last 24 points available in the regular season. Heading into the home semi-final, coach Jeff Hopkins believes his team is peaking at the right time.

“All we have tried to do this year is try and improve from game to game;to pick on one or two key areas that we would try to improve on”.

“We are in pretty good shape at the moment. Since we lost against Newcastle in Round 2, we have done pretty well.”

Brisbane will again look to crowd and control the midfield as they have done so in most of their encounters. Holding midfielder Aivi Luik, the explosive Tameka Butt, Jo Burgess and Clare Polkinghorne have been instrumental in their possession dominance.

Up front though, Brisbane have struggled to get many goals past the Sydney defence. Coming off the bench, Gielnik has been a revelation this year providing crucial goals for Brisbane. With that in mind, the question is whether Hopkins will be tempted to deploy young striker Emily Gielnik early in the match.

Hopkins other dilemma is goalkeeper Casey Dumont. Brisbane’s custodian for most of Brisbane’s four seasons, the youngster has been inhibited all season by osteitis pubis. Reserve goalkeeper Hoshimi Kishi has kept well in the games she has donned the gloves so will the Roar take the risk? Regardless of these questions, rest assured the Brisbane line-up will be a well balanced and potent one.

“We have a group of players who want to play for each other.”

“Even when things are going well they know how to stay in games and how to win games.”

While Canberra United have been the talk of the season with their history making undefeated run, it’s easy to forget that Brisbane are gunning for their slice of history too. Back-to-back champions would be quite a feat however they first must overcome the formidable obstacle that is Sydney FC.

“That’s the thing we know about Sydney. The Sydney girls are an amazing group of footballers as well.”

“They are a tough group so we know what we are in for as well. We know what we will have to do if we are going to come out on top.”

Key Players

Tameka ButtIf it’s a big game, then expect Tameka Butt to shine. The attacking midfielder has been the catalyst for almost all of Brisbane’s big matches of the last four years and expect today to be no different.

 

Joanne BurgessShe may be the oldest player in the squad but midfielder Jo Burgess is also one of the most important.

 

Kim CarrollWith the abundance of attacking options at Sydney’s feet, Kim Carroll’s defensive work with partner Laura Alleway will play a significant role.   The experienced 24 year old will also have a crucial leadership role to play in a relatively inexperienced backline.

 

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC

Sunday 22 January

Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre, Brisbane

Referees: Casey Reibelt / Christie Robb / Renae Coghill / Rebecca Durcau

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

Tickets available at the game: Adults $5, concession $2, Kids under 13 go in free

Watch the live stream: http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/programs/w-league/

Brisbane Roar FC squad: 1.Casey Dumont (Gk), 2. Laura Alleway, 4.  Clare Polkinghorne (C),  5. Brooke Spence,  6. Joanne Burgess, 7. Kim Carroll, 9. Catherine Cannuli, 10. Lana Harch, 11. Aivi Luik , 13. Tameka Butt, 14. Vedrana Popovic, 16.  Michaela Hatzirodos, 17. Emily Gielnik, 18. Olga Cebrian Garcia 19. Ellen Beaumont, 20.  Hoshimi Kishi (Gk) 21. Price Rebecca

*one to be omitted*

Head to Head:  Brisbane: 5 wins, 2 losses, 2 Draws

Last Meeting:  Week 12, 14 January 2012:  Brisbane Roar 1 (OG) – Sydney FC