Soccer: Knights aim to silence Roar

Storm warnings for Brisbane tonight are not fazing New Zealand Knights coach John Adshead who hopes to whip up a storm of his own against the Queensland Roar in the chase for an elusive second A-League win.

The Knights will almost certainly run out on to Suncorp Stadium with the same 11 players who started against Melbourne Victory last Saturday night.

"We had a big session here this morning," said Adshead yesterday. "We are looking to pick up the pace up front. Sean Devine especially is being asked to get a bit sharper on and off the ball. If we can be more effective in the front third we can give ourselves a chance."

Despite losing to the Victorians, the Knights, for only the third time in 14 games, scored two goals. A repeat might be enough to get them something from the Roar who have won the two previous encounters 2-0.

Adshead has had a close look at tonight's opposition.

He knows they are without Karl Dodds (now overseas) and the suspended Michael Baird but knows they will not lose anything with Remo Buess back from suspension and with Royce Brownlie returning.

"Players like Alex Brosque and Jonathan Richter are always dangerous. Last week they pushed big Jordan Simpson forward from midfield to play 4-3-3," said Adshead.

"If they do that again, we will have to reassess our marking at the back."

Adshead said despite the 3-2 loss at North Harbour Stadium, the players have "had a bit more spring in their step knowing they can challenge any team".

It will not be easy and the odds suggest it is a forlorn cause but against the team closest to them on the points table and having scored only four more goals, this might be their best hope of a point since their round three win over the Central Coast Mariners.


Queensland Roar v NZ Knights

Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, tonight 10pm
Referee: James Lewis

Queensland:
Thomas Willis, Remo Buess, Massimo Murdocca, Royce Brownlie, Jonathan Richter, Jordan Simpson, Tyler Simpson, Matthew McKay, Hyuk-Su Seo, Warren Moon, Alex Brosque, Spase Dilevski, Osvaldo Carro, Stuart McLaren, Scott Higgins.

NZ Knights:
Danny Milosevic, Darren Bazeley , John Tambouras, Ben Collett, Simon Yeo, Sean Devine, Zenon Caravella, Cole Tinkler, Jeremy Brockie, Noah Hickey, Frank van Eijs, Naoki Imaya, Kris Bright, Jeremy Christie, Glen Moss.

Odds: $1.22 draw $5 odds $11