Brebner on the Bench: Round 2 Preview

Nick Ward and Archie Thompson will both miss another round, while Michael Theoklitos has also picked up an injury and won’t make an appearance against the Wellington Phoenix.

The big story this week, though, is the return of Grant Brebner.

Brebner hasn’t played since December 2007 and looks ready to make his reappearance after a long time out. The Scotsman talked to the press this week, telling them that this last year has been the toughest of his career:

“It’s been probably the hardest part of my career. In 10 or 12 years I have never faced anything like this.

There were times when I thought ‘is it all worth it?’. It was hard. Thankfully now, towards the other side of it, I am getting there.”

Brebner’s return creates another selection headache for Merrick, who must now decide whether to play the revitalised Brebner or young Leigh Broxham in the defensive midfield role alongside Jose Luis Lopez. To make matters even more interesting, last week’s first half performance showed how effectively Melbourne could operate with a sole defensive midfielder. Unless Brebner or Broxham can be utilised in alternative positions, one (or both) of them is going to be warming the bench this season.

My tips for the weekend:

• Perth Glory to lose to Newcastle Jets. Newcastle have only beaten the Glory twice in nine matches, but Perth will struggle this week without David Tarka and a slew of other players including James Robinson, Hayden Foxe and Naum Sekulovski.
• Central Coast Mariners to draw with Sydney FC. I didn’t get a chance to watch the Mariners play last week, but by most accounts, the Central Coast look like a squad short of depth. Alex Brosque, Stuart Musialik and Dez Giraldi are all returning for Sydney, giving them a good chance of securing a draw or narrow win against the Mariners.
• Wellington Phoenix to whimper before the Melbourne Victory. OK, maybe not whimper, but I think Melbourne have the goods to beat Wellington. It’ll be a tight affair without many goals. Fabiano and Allsopp need to step up and start finishing chances.
• Queensland Roar to beat Adelaide United. Queensland Roar were unlucky to come away with a draw against the Phoenix last week. At home, they have a good chance to get one or two past Adelaide, but it’ll be a very tight game.

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