|
Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi is expecting an emphatic return to form when his A-League side takes on the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Saturday. The Roar were beaten 4-0 by Newcastle last week in one of the worst performances of Aloisi's reign. But the Socceroo great has seen enough evidence at training this week to suggest it was just a one-off, and not a pointer to what can be expected from them this season. "It's quite simple -- we have to have a reaction," Aloisi told reporters on Thursday. "You can rack your head about why and who wasn't there, conditions, the way the opposition played. But at the end of the day, there's no excuse. "Nothing was good. The players are disappointed, as they should be. We expect more and we have to perform better. "They're up for it, they want to show what they can do and where they're headed." Skipper Matt McKay returns to the side after missing the defeat to the Jets through suspension and Aloisi said it would be a big boost to have their midfield general back. New Spanish signing Arana will stay at home as he continues to build match fitness while Dimi Petratos (ankle) also won't be risked against the Mariners, who will also be looking to recover after they were smashed 4-0 last weekend by Sydney FC. Brisbane won all three of their matches against Central Coast last season - including a 1-0 away victory -- and are favourites to claim the three points again on Saturday, but Aloisi expects them to be a different beast under new coach Paul Okon. "The Mariners in the two games they've played have created a lot of chances," he said. "They're a good side, especially going forward -- they've got quick players out wide, O'Donovan's quick, Powell, and in midfield they've got players who can play. "They're going to be a side that will cause issues for every team." Winger Fabio Ferreira has been named to make his first appearance of the season after missing the first two rounds due to injury, while defender Jacob Poscoliero (thigh) drops out.
|
