A-League Preview: Queensland Aim For Finals Appearance

voldemort · 01-04-2008, 10:29 AM

Queensland Roar vs Melbourne Victory
For the first time in their A-League history, Queensland go into the match against Melbourne sitting pretty on top of the league table.
They lead the table with 30 points, equal with Central Coast and ahead on goal difference, with Sydney three points adrift in third.
And, coach Frank Farina believes his side achieve their best finish this season with a win against Melbourne.
Victory against Melbourne on Saturday would ensure the Roar their first-ever A-League finals appearance. And, Farina has called on the Queensland faithful to cheer his side on in the match.
“The support's been fantastic. It means a lot to the players and the whole group. It's a great stadium, probably the best football stadium in Australia," he said.
"Queensland supporters are not going to get a better chance than this to try and push a team on to the minor premiership. Two home games against the two biggest clubs in Australia - it's a wonderful opportunity and we're sitting first."
The former Australia national coach believes the minor premiership is within reach – if his side can claim three straight victories in the remaining matches.
"If we could manage to win the last three games then more than likely we'd take out the minor premiership. It's going to be tough. The next two home games are against Melbourne and Sydney - arguably the two in-form sides in the league. It will be tough," Farina said.
"But if we've got aspirations to win the league, you've got to do well against these teams, particularly at home. It will be a great test for us."
The league leaders, however, will be without the trio of Craig Moore, Danny Tiatto and goalkeeper Liam Reddy.
Moore will serve a one-match suspension, after collecting his fourth yellow card of the season in last weekend’s 4-1 win against Perth Glory. Tiatto, on the other hand, has been ruled out by injury. First-choice keeper Reddy will also be sidelined with a fractured thumb.
Back-up goalkeeper Griffin McMaster will make his A-League debut in Reddy's absence.
The Roar have only lost once since September - with Farina's side losing to Newcastle Jets in round 15.

source:goal.com

01-04-2008, 10:29 AM	#1 (permalink)
voldemort Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 8,202	A-League Preview: Queensland Aim For Finals Appearance Queensland Roar vs Melbourne Victory For the first time in their A-League history, Queensland go into the match against Melbourne sitting pretty on top of the league table. They lead the table with 30 points, equal with Central Coast and ahead on goal difference, with Sydney three points adrift in third. And, coach Frank Farina believes his side achieve their best finish this season with a win against Melbourne. Victory against Melbourne on Saturday would ensure the Roar their first-ever A-League finals appearance. And, Farina has called on the Queensland faithful to cheer his side on in the match. “The support's been fantastic. It means a lot to the players and the whole group. It's a great stadium, probably the best football stadium in Australia," he said. "Queensland supporters are not going to get a better chance than this to try and push a team on to the minor premiership. Two home games against the two biggest clubs in Australia - it's a wonderful opportunity and we're sitting first." The former Australia national coach believes the minor premiership is within reach – if his side can claim three straight victories in the remaining matches. "If we could manage to win the last three games then more than likely we'd take out the minor premiership. It's going to be tough. The next two home games are against Melbourne and Sydney - arguably the two in-form sides in the league. It will be tough," Farina said. "But if we've got aspirations to win the league, you've got to do well against these teams, particularly at home. It will be a great test for us." The league leaders, however, will be without the trio of Craig Moore, Danny Tiatto and goalkeeper Liam Reddy. Moore will serve a one-match suspension, after collecting his fourth yellow card of the season in last weekend’s 4-1 win against Perth Glory. Tiatto, on the other hand, has been ruled out by injury. First-choice keeper Reddy will also be sidelined with a fractured thumb. Back-up goalkeeper Griffin McMaster will make his A-League debut in Reddy's absence. The Roar have only lost once since September - with Farina's side losing to Newcastle Jets in round 15. source:goal.com