Preview: Melbourne City vs. Brisbane Roar - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are in just as much of a need of three points considering they are second from bottom, adding plenty of pressure into this fixture.

Match preview

Melbourne City might have been the most dominant team in the A-League this season, but they suffered a defeat during their most recent outing against Adelaide United.

Even though Andrew Nabbout gave them a ninth-minute lead, their opponents ended up scoring four times in the second half to win the game 4-2 as Marco Tilio's goal proved to create no impact.

This continues a recent trend that Melbourne City have been dealing with lately of their games being frantic and full of goals which has been great for the neutral, but not for Rado Vidosic.

The Hearts might have only lost three times this season, but two of those have come in their previous three matches which has been a concerning run of form.

Considering the fact that Melbourne City are now in the midst of the final stretch of the campaign, the pressure is now on to ensure that they achieve their goal of winning the title.

However, the hosts will face another tough test this weekend because their opponents are also desperate to claim three points, but for completely different reasons.

Brisbane Roar are currently second bottom in the A-League at the moment, and a loss on Saturday could see them sink to the foot of the table if other results go against them.

That is something that Nick Green will be well aware of as he is under pressure to ensure that the Lions do not finish bottom, and if anything climb further up.

The Brisbane Roar boss was left frustrated last weekend as he saw his team throw away a point despite the fact Jez Lofthouse had scored an 80th minute equaliser.

The Lions had a disastrous spell in added time as Jordan Courtney-Perkins was sent off and then they conceded a 95th-minute goal to lose the game which they will now want to put behind them.

Melbourne City Australian A-League form:

D

W

W

L

W

L

Brisbane Roar Australian A-League form:

L

L

L

D

W

L

Team News

The hosts will continue to be without Mathew Leckie who is dealing with a hamstring problem at the moment that is going to see him out of the team for at least another five weeks.

Tilio's recent impressive performances should see him keep his place in the team though due to the attacking qualities that he has provided.

For the visitors, they will be without Courtney-Perkins this time around due to the fact that he is suspended for this game following his recent red card.

Scott Neville is someone that will be expected to deal with the attacking qualities that their opponents provide, while Jay O'Shea was able to overcome a fractured toe to feature last week.

Melbourne City possible starting lineup:

Glover; Bos, Lam, Reis, Talbor; O'Neill; Nabbout, Van der Venne, Berisha, Tilio; Maclaren

Brisbane Roar possible starting lineup:

Holmes; Zabala, Trewin, Aldred, Neville; Hore, Gomulka, O'Shea, Lofthouse; Mileusnic, Armiento

We say: Melbourne City 3-0 Brisbane Roar

Melbourne City might have suffered a couple of defeats as of late, but they have still showcased great attacking qualities in their performances.

With the visitors struggling throughout the season, this should be a game where the league leaders get back to winning ways.

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