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Brisbane's Massimo Maccarone (right) tries to evade Melbourne's Michael Jakobsen during the round 19 A-League match between the Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City.
By TAS MAVRIDIS
The 2017-18 A-League finals will kick off in Melbourne tonight at AAMI Park.
First Elimination Final: Melbourne City v Brisbane Roar
After finishing in third place on the ladder, Melbourne City will take on sixth-placed Brisbane Roar on Friday night.
Melbourne City come into the match on the back of three wins in their last four matches, however the loss came in the final round against a struggling Wellington Phoenix outfit.
Brisbane Roar have also won three out of their last four matches, John Aloisi’s men just sneaking into finals after the Western Sydney Wanderers’ loss to Adelaide United in the final game of the season-proper.
Last time they met
Round 19: Brisbane Roar 1 def by Melbourne City 2 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Melbourne City take the edge into the finals after winning two of the three sides games this season, with Brisbane’s one win coming in round seven at Suncorp Stadium.
The most recent encounter saw the Roar take the lead, however as has been a regular issue for Brisbane, they were unable to take control of the game and hold on for the win.
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Bruno Fornaroli of Melbourne City controls the ball from Oliver Sail of the Phoenix this month.
Tactical preview
The preferred formation of both sides has a lone striker supported by wingers, with the main point of difference being Brisbane’s preference to have a more attacking midfielder in the form of Brett Holman or Henrique (traditionally a striker) dropping in behind the main forward.
For the Roar, their aging squad is widely believed to be a reason behind their inability to run out matches.
All their go-to attacking weapons in the form of Massimo Maccarone, Fahid Ben Khalfallah, Brett Holman, Eric Bautheac and Henrique are over 30 years old.
Melbourne City on the other hand, will hope that they can finally make their first grand final in their eight-year history, with the return of Bruno Fornaroli and his return to form coming at the perfect time.
The emergence of Daniel Arzani has also been one of the highlights of a City season which has faced its fair share of criticism.
One of the main points of criticism for Joyce has been his unwillingness to utilise substitutes, with marquee signing Marcin Budzinski showing good signs yet spending much of the season coming off the bench.
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Luke Brattan in action this month.
Key player match-up
Bart Schenkeveld (MCY) v Massimo Maccarone (BRI)
Bart Schenkeveld picked up Melbourne City’s player of the year further establishing the year which saw him cement himself as one of the league’s best central defenders.
His main job on Friday night will be to shut down 38-year-old Massimo Maccarone, with the Italian having slotted nine goals throughout the season to lead the Roar’s tally.
Despite his age Maccarone has proven dangerous, with both his finishing and linking with his supporting players being one of the critical reasons why the Roar made finals.
Luke Brattan (MCY) v Thomas Kristensen (BRI)
A battle in the engine rooms, this midfield clash will be crucial in deciding which side can get the best foothold in the match as well as create the best opportunities.
For Kristensen, an injury ravaged beginning to the season has seen his influence dip, but two goals in his last four matches indicate he might be regaining the goal scoring touch which could prove vital for the Roar.
Luke Brattan on the other hand has played all but two of the regular season matches, his ability to break up and set up attacking play critical to Melbourne City.
If he can gain control in this match-up, City will be in a good position to win.
Final Prediction
Melbourne City – despite their final round slip up – should have too much quality for a Brisbane side that just snuck into finals. City to win 3-1.
Preview to the second elimination final will be published on Sunday