Canberra United return to action at McKellar Park this weekend when they lock horns with old foes Brisbane Roar seeking to turn potential into tangible results as the Liberty A-League season reaches Round 7.
Having scored ten times in only four matches during the current campaign, the fixtures with Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers having been postponed, United have had little trouble finding the back of the net this term, but thirteen goals conceded have highlighted a problem that Head Coach Njegosh Popovich is out to improve.
Despite the results, there have been some positive performances from those in green in 2023/2024 with Serbian superstar Vesna Milivojevic in scintillating form, the attacking midfield schemer has netted five goals already in the season and has been at the heart of everything positive United have produced going forward.
Canberra and Brisbane have usually been at the pointy end of the table for most of the history of the competition, but have found form tricky to find this term, the Roar have eight points from two wins and two draws, having played half-a-dozen matches and sit in fifth.
Over the years, contests between the duo in Canberra have resulted in five United wins, five Roar wins, and five draws, whilst overall the Roar have had the upper-hand in encounters with fourteen wins to Canberra’s eight.
The difference might well come down to the patriotic nature of the United home support. Attendances for the first two matches of the year. The visits of Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets have been hugely encouraging, and the noise generated by the passionate supporters of the team in green can make McKellar a difficult place to play.
Whilst Canberra will be hoping they can turn their fortunes around, Brisbane are eyeing off a victory that would keep them on the coattails of the table-topping pack and well in contention for a top six finish and finals football.
The last three matches between these teams have ended in draws, 1-1 in the last match and a pair of exhilarating 3-3 stalemates in the two prior clashes. Indeed, Roar haven’t beaten Canberra since winning 5-0 in February 2020. Those with green in their veins will hope to extend that run further, whilst getting the maximum return to kick-start an unfortunate start to the year.
MATCH DETAILS
Sunday 10 December 2023
Canberra United v Brisbane Roar
(McKellar Park, 16:00)
TICKETS ON SALE HERE
