While the match in Sydney may decide which team goes top after round three, the contest between champions Brisbane Roar and title aspirants Newcastle Jets could prove to be equally pivotal come season’s end.
Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Saturday 5 November 2011
Cleveland Showgrounds, Brisbane
Local kick-off: 4pm
While the match in Sydney may decide which team goes top after round three, the contest between champions Brisbane Roar and title aspirants Newcastle Jets could prove to be equally pivotal come season-s end. The new-look Jets cruised to a 3-0 home win against Adelaide last weekend, but it is their second match which will truly indicate if they are contenders or pretenders.
The Roar had the bye last weekend which means the Roar have yet to build any momentum, but it does mean the team had extra time to recuperate after battling to a torrid 1-1 draw in Sydney on the opening weekend. Jeff Hopkins side must continue to do without the overseas-based trio of Kim Carroll, Elise Kellond-Knight and Aivi Luik for a few more weeks.
The Jets conversely are overflowing with options on their playing roster, led by their World Cup quartet of new signings; goalkeeper Melissa Barbieri, midfielder Emily Van Egmond, striker Lisa De Vanna and Germany defender Ariane Hingst. The exciting line-up has caught the imagination of the Novocastrian football public with a record local crowd turning out for the opener last weekend. A win here will set up their season nicely going into another potentially epic clash against Sydney the following weekend.
