Roar look to extend unbeaten run

Queensland Roar will be looking to record their first win against John Kosmina’s Adelaide United this Friday night when the two rival sides clash at Suncorp Stadium in round 5 of the 2006/07 Hyundai A-League.

Last season Roar played the reigning Premiers three times, drawing 0-0 and losing 4-2 at Hindmarsh Stadium, as well as going down 2-1 at home to a last minute winner from Lucas Pantelis.

Adelaide’s Shengqing Qu and Roar’s Yuning Zhang will come into sharp focus as two of China’s most popular exports. Qu’s quality was demonstrated fully last season, in particular when he chipped beautifully over Tom Willis at Hindmarsh Stadium in United’s 4-2 win, but Zhang too announced his arrival with an impressive display from the substitute’s bench last week when he set up two goals and twice went close to opening his account on debut.

Speaking to reporters via his interpreter today Zhang said he was pleased with life in Australia and was happy with his contribution against the Knights when Roar romped home 5-0.

“I’m enjoying being here in Brisbane and I’m happy with my first performance for the team. Tomorrow is another match and I’m hoping you will see another good performance,” he said.

“I’m not too familiar with Adelaide United but I know that our team is capable of a strong performance so I’m confident we can do well. I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing against Qu once more. I always appreciate playing against him and we are good friends,” he added.

Roar currently sit in second place on the ladder, two points behind leaders Melbourne Victory who have a 100% record so far. Miron Bleiberg’s men are still unbeaten after four rounds, having only dropped points in the waterlogged 0-0 draw away at the Central Coast Mariners. They will remain in at least second place regardless of the outcome of Friday’s clash courtesy of a four-point buffer between them and third-placed Adelaide.

Coach Miron Bleiberg says he hopes the side that performs well on the night will take home the glory.

“I would like a situation were the best team on the day comes out as the winner,” said Bleiberg.

“I hope that it isn’t a case of ‘lady luck’ interfering with one team hitting he woodwork six times and the other team has one shot on goal and wins the game. If they are better then I’m happy to concede and if we are better then I’ll gladly take the three points. Let’s hope for a fair fight – that is my attitude towards this game.”

Bleiberg admitted that he was faced with a selection headache ahead of tomorrow night’s clash with all but defender Stuart McLaren ready and able to play.

“Stuart is almost ready so I have 18 and a half players available out of 19 and even he is under consideration because we are facing a side that is very physical. We have one more training session and we have six players fighting for two places as I have already decided on 13 players for this game.

“It’s not easy and it’s not pleasant and it’s a part of coaching that I don’t like. Everyone has put in 110% and it’s tough to leave them out because I know how much they want to play and fight for the club and their teammates, etc. However, it’s a decision that I have to make and it’s a testimony to the depth we have in the squad in the moment,” Bleiberg said.

Despite a gruelling tour with the Young Socceroos Dario Vidosic is in good enough shape to play and Spase Dilevski is expected to continue his recovery from his groin hernia operation with an appearance from the bench.

Off the field, Queensland Roar are primed to reach another milestone with only 1241 fans needed to top a total of 200,000 fans through the gates of Suncorp Stadium for Hyundai A-League home fixtures.

Queensland Roar Squad: Tom Willis (gk), Andrew Packer, Remo Buess, Chad Gibson, Josh McCloughan, Marcus Wedau, Massimo Murdocca, Simon Lynch, Ante Milicic, Reinaldo da costa, Yuning Zhang, Spase Dilevski, Matthew McKay, Hyuk-Su Seo, Dario Vidosic, Sasa Ognenovski, Liam Reddy (gk). *Two to be Omitted.

In: Chad Gibson (promoted), Dario Vidosic (return from international duty). Out: nil. Unavailable: nil.

A-League Round 5

Queensland Roar vs Adelaide United
Friday Night, September 22
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Kick off: 8:00pm (local/AEST)

Live Coverage on Fox Sports One from 7:30pm (AEST).