Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta

Kick-Off: 8:00 PM

Referee: Jarred Gillett

Twitter: #WSWvBRI

Odds: Western Sydney Wanderers $2.20, Draw $3.40, Brisbane Roar $3.20 (Sportsbet.com.au)

LIKELY TEAMS

Wanderers (4-2-3-1): Redmayne; Jamieson, Topor-Stanley, Alberto, Neville; Andreu, Dimas; Vidosic, Nichols, Castelen, Piovaccari.

Roar (4-2-3-1): Theo; Brown, Bowles, North, Polenz; Lustica, Clut; Broich, Corona, Maclaren; Borello.

FIVE TO WATCH

1. Dario Vidosic (Western Sydney Wanderers)

It's a 50-50 call whether Vidosic even starts, having had such little football in recent times. Although not match-fit, the absence of Mark Bridge and Shannon Cole forces coach Tony Popovic into a selection dilemma on the left. Jashua Sotirio may be asked to fill-in.

2. Thomas Broich (Brisbane Roar)

This will be Broich's sixth season in the A-League and while he's (arguably) been pipped by Besart Berisha as the league's all-time best player, the 34-year old has plenty left to give. His demeanour generally sets the tone for the Roar, so needs to be lively from kick-off.

3. Romeo Castelen (Western Sydney Wanderers)

Showed plenty of glimpses during his first season in Australia but probably wasn't as consistent as he'd like, mostly due to the recurrence of soft-tissue injuries. If he's over those, the Dutchman could be a regular match-winner for the Wanderers on the right side.

4. Jamie Maclaren (Brisbane Roar)

Advanced from being a super-sub to starter to outright star last season – and then surprised everybody by walking out on his hometown club to join Brisbane Roar. Should benefit from the tutelage of John Aloisi and will look to stamp his name on the league this season.

5. Dimas (Western Sydney Wanderers)

Adelaide's move to prise Sergio Cirio, Isaias and Pablo Sanchez from the Spanish lower tiers has been replicated by the Wanderers, grabbing three Spaniards of their own this off-season. Dimas has been playing steadily since 2002, clocking up one season in La Liga with Numancia, and he should form a tidy combination with compatriot Andreu in central midfield.

THE KEY MATCH-UP

Nikolai Topor-Stanley (Western Sydney Wanderers) v Brandon Borrello (Brisbane Roar)

The Adelaide-born Borrello made enough of an impact in the previous campaign to suggest he might just make it at this level. He's certainly got something about him – starting with pace, an eye for goal and a decent first touch – that warrants attention this season. Topor-Stanley will work him over physically, however.

IN THE DUGOUT

Tony Popovic (Western Sydney Wanderers): Ended last season as the man who needed a holiday more than anyone else in the entire competition. That said, not a day will have passed without Popovic reaching for his notepad and scribbling down prospective formations and signings. His adoption of the Spanish style is a monumental philosophical change.

John Aloisi (Brisbane Roar): Gets a second chance much sooner than most thought, having endured a disastrous spell in charge of Melbourne Heart. Yet the Roar's owners have been convinced it was nothing more than an introductory blip to Aloisi's coaching career. However, in the view of the fans, he'll be on trial from day one.