Western United’s A-League Men’s resurgence does not surprise Brisbane Roar coach Warren Moon one bit.
The Roar take on last season’s champions away on Friday night against a team that has won three of their last four games, including two on the trot while keeping a clean sheet.
Western United are in 11th position on the ladder with 10 points, but just three points behind fourth-placed Central Coast. The Roar are on 11 points in eighth.
“They are the champions of Australia for a good reason,” Moon said of the Roar’s opponents
“They were never going to stay down at the bottom. I don’t think anyone ever thought they weren’t going to turn it around or rediscover their form and be a side that is seriously going to threaten the top six this year.”
The Roar have the best defensive record in the league, conceding just six goals this season. They have only scored seven and are searching for more potency up front.
Joe Knowles has been given the striker role that former Premier League marksman Charlie Austin had until he returned to England last week.
“I am happy with Joe. Joe is a good player and can play a number of roles for us and that is the beauty of having him in the squad,” Moon said.
“As a collective we just need to make sure we are more ruthless in front of the goal and taking the chances we are creating.”
United are two games into a six-game run where they don’t leave Victoria.
“We love playing in Victoria. Playing here it is important that we pick up points and we have started doing that,” coach John Aloisi said.
“Hopefully we can continue that.
“(Roar) are a team that doesn’t concede too many goals but they are still dangerous going forward. I know Austin is not there any more but they have some quick players up top and some experienced players in the midfield and at the back .”
One of those is veteran Roar defender Scott Neville, who will play his 273rd A-League match and go into 14th on the all-time list, one ahead of Roar legend Matt McKay who played 272 games all for the one club..
“I went from right-back to center-back,” the 33-year-old grinned, when asked about the secret to his longevity.
“It is a little less strenuous on the body. I just focus on the small details, the recovery aspects and enjoying it.”
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