Big stakes are on offer as Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in a classic six-pointer in the City of Churches on Sunday.
Fourth-placed United boast a three-point advantage over their rivals, but a defeat for either side will likely strike a mortal blow to their respective finals’ ambitions.
Victory for Adelaide will give them a six-point margin over the Roar, thus all but mathematically ending the latter’s campaign.
The two sides have, in some ways, mirrored each other this season. Both started strongly then dropped away sharply, before reviving in recent weeks.
Adelaide bounced back in spectacular fashion with a 5-1 win at semi-finals rivals Newcastle Jets in their most recent match.
Brisbane for their part, ended a five-match winless run with an impressive 3-0 defeat of Sydney FC, and last weekend they pushed leaders Melbourne City to the final minute.
The pair also have reason for confidence in their own abilities after the experience of the past fortnight.
Both teams enter their match with few injury concerns, while Adelaide are boosted by recent signing Isabel Hodgson.
This contest appears set to be one of fine margins, and one very much worth watching.
Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
Sunday 3 January 2016
Adelaide Shores Football Centre
Local kick-off: 3pm (3.30pm AEDT)
Join the conversation on Twitter using match hashtag #ADLvBRI
Adelaide United squad: 1. Kaitlyn Savage (gk), 2. Lauren Steer, 3. Alexandra Gummer, 4. Sarah Killion, 5. Allira Toby, 6. Chantelle Ryder, 8. Emily Condon, 10. Georgia Campagnale, 11. Rosie Sutton, 12. Elizabeth Milne (c), 13. Abbigail Dahlkemper, 15. Matilda McNamara, 17. Tiarn Powell, 18. Lorena Maggio, 19. Gabby Bentley, 20. Claudia Jenkins (gk)
Ins: Gabby Bentley (promoted)
Outs: none
Unavailable: Marijana Rajcic (knee – season)
Brisbane Roar squad: 1. Haley Kopmeyer (gk), 3. Amy Chapman, 4. Clare Polkinghorne, 6. Angela Beard, 7. Gabe Marzano, 8. Ayesha Norrie, 9. Cortnee Vine, 10. Katrina Gorry, 11. Kirsty Yallop, 12. Alisha Foote, 13. Tameka Butt, 14. Summer O’Brien, 15. Ruth Blackburn, 16. Ashley Spina, 17. Emily Gielnik, 20. Carrie Simpson (gk)
Ins: Ashley Spina (promoted)
Outs: none
Unavailable: Brooke Goodrich (injured)
