A-League Round 12: Can Brisbane Roar Bounce Back? Western United’s Tactical Evolution Shines

The 12th round of the A-League continued on January 3, with Brisbane Roar, the league’s bottom-dwellers, still searching for their first win after nine consecutive winless matches. Fans and analysts alike are asking: Who will be the first team to hand them three points? Central Coast Mariners, themselves struggling for form, might just fit the bill. Meanwhile, Western United’s reliance on veteran striker Yūji Ibusuki as a tactical focal point has paid dividends, with the team steadily climbing the standings.

Brisbane Roar vs. Central Coast Mariners: A Turning Point for the Bottom Team?

Brisbane Roar remains the only team in the A-League yet to secure a victory this season. Even the most optimistic supporters have likely given up on their playoff hopes. In their previous outing against fellow strugglers Western United, Brisbane delivered a lackluster performance. Although they attempted a few offensive moves in the second half, their efforts were in vain, and they ultimately fell to a penalty goal.

Defensively, Brisbane exposed vulnerabilities, particularly when dealing with Western United’s attacks, which resulted in conceding the decisive penalty. This loss highlighted broader issues within the squad, including tactical inefficiencies and inconsistent player form. Brisbane’s poor home record, with a 100% loss rate, underscores the urgency for drastic changes to avoid further stagnation.

Central Coast Mariners, on the other hand, managed a hard-fought draw against Melbourne City in their last match. While their defensive frailties were evident, allowing Melbourne to create numerous chances, the Mariners showed resilience in attack. Despite limited opportunities, they clawed back to score an equalizer, demonstrating a fighting spirit that could serve them well in future matches.

The Mariners have struggled this season, and their current standing near the bottom of the table reflects this decline. To climb out of their predicament, the team must address defensive lapses and explore more varied attacking strategies to increase scoring efficiency. Historically, the Mariners have dominated recent encounters against Brisbane, securing comfortable clean-sheet victories. However, with Brisbane desperate for a turnaround and the Mariners far from their best, this matchup promises to be more evenly contested.

Perth Glory vs. Western United: A Tale of Diverging Fortunes

The clash between Perth Glory and Western United brings together two sides that were once in similar straits but have since taken different trajectories. Perth’s struggles were on full display in their recent loss to Macarthur. While they showed glimpses of attacking intent early in the match, their defensive shortcomings were glaring. A lapse in concentration allowed Macarthur’s winger Drew to open the scoring in the 27th minute, followed by two quick goals that further exposed Perth’s defensive instability.

Despite attempts to rally in the second half, Perth’s offensive efforts were stifled by Macarthur’s disciplined defense. The team’s inability to convert possession into meaningful chances or to stabilize their backline has been a recurring theme this season.

In contrast, Western United has showcased marked improvement, leveraging their tactical discipline and the experience of Yūji Ibusuki. In their previous match, a 1-0 victory over Brisbane Roar, Western United’s defensive organization was exemplary. They excelled at intercepting passes and controlling second balls in the penalty area, effectively neutralizing Brisbane’s counterattacks.

Offensively, while Western United didn’t create an abundance of clear-cut chances, they capitalized on a penalty opportunity, with Ibusuki converting decisively. This efficiency in critical moments underscores the team’s growing confidence and cohesion.

Western United’s dominance over Perth Glory is evident in their head-to-head record, with five consecutive wins since 2023. In their earlier encounter this season, Ibusuki’s brace sealed a second-half victory, further cementing Western United’s psychological edge. Given their current form, Western United is well-positioned to continue their upward trajectory, while Perth faces an uphill battle to regain competitiveness.

Tactical Trends and Key Players

Brisbane Roar: To break their winless streak, Brisbane must focus on shoring up their defensive vulnerabilities and finding consistency in attack. Players need to step up in terms of both individual performances and collective effort.

Central Coast Mariners: The Mariners’ ability to exploit Brisbane’s weaknesses will hinge on their defensive stability and offensive creativity. Their fighting spirit in recent matches suggests they won’t go down without a fight.

Western United: Ibusuki’s role as a target man has been pivotal to Western United’s resurgence. His ability to hold up play and convert chances will be critical as the team continues to refine its tactical approach.

Perth Glory: For Perth, rebuilding defensive solidity must be the top priority. Without addressing their leaky backline, any offensive improvements are unlikely to yield results.

Matchday Outlook

As the A-League’s 12th round unfolds, Brisbane Roar’s search for a breakthrough win remains a compelling narrative. Simultaneously, Western United’s rise as a tactically disciplined and effective side highlights the importance of adaptability and cohesion in a demanding league. Whether Brisbane can finally reverse their fortunes or Western United can extend their dominance will be decided on the pitch, offering fans plenty of drama and excitement.