BRISBANE ROAR VISIT WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS IN A-LEAGUE CLASH

SYDNEY (Interstat) — A surging Brisbane Roar side will look to extend its unbeaten run against a Western Sydney Wanderers team seeking to rebound from a loss when the A-League rivals meet Saturday.

The match at Western Sydney Stadium kicks off at 7:45 p.m. local time (0845 GMT).

The Roar (5-2-2) arrive with momentum, sitting third on the table after consecutive 1-0 victories. A late goal secured a win at Adelaide United last Sunday, following a 1-0 home result against Melbourne Victory on Nov. 28. Brisbane is unbeaten in its last five domestic matches, with its only defeat in the past seven coming in an overseas fixture against Kampong Speu Province.

“Confidence is high within the group,“ Brisbane coach Nick Green said. “But we know the challenge at Western Sydney is always significant. We must match their intensity from the first whistle.“

Conversely, the Wanderers (3-3-3) are looking to regain footing after a 1-0 away defeat to Perth Glory last Friday snapped a two-match winning streak. Their form at home has been mixed, with a derby win over Sydney FC on Nov. 29 but a loss to Adelaide and a draw with Macarthur in preceding weeks.

“We were disappointed with the performance in Perth,“ Wanderers manager Alicia King said. “Our response at home in front of our supporters is crucial. Brisbane is in fine form, which demands our absolute best.“

The statistical service Interstat projects a 1-1 draw.

Brisbane’s defense has been formidable, conceding only one goal in its last four A-League contests. Western Sydney’s attack, which scored three against the Central Coast Mariners, will be tested.

Following this match, Brisbane faces a quick turnaround with a trip to Macarthur next Friday. The Wanderers host Auckland FC on Dec. 19.