Mars Stadium in Ballarat hosts a decisive game in Western United’s season when the Green and Black meet Brisbane Roar in Round 19 Hyundai A-League action this Sunday.
And United coach Mark Rudan senses the group is in a good place going into Sunday’s clash with a side one spot ahead of his on the ladder.
“It’s a big game. But they’re all big games,” Rudan said.
“We played them away from home [in December] and we beat them. So, we’re looking for the same outcome obviously.
“It’s been a fantastic two weeks of training. The boys’ attitude and the way they’ve applied themselves, and just in general the atmosphere around the club has been really, really great over the last month actually.
“So we want to put into practice that fantastic work ethic into the game this week.”
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The Green and Black last played in Ballarat on December 28 last year, in a 3-1 loss to an impressive Wellington Phoenix.
But after the challenge of playing in extreme heat two weeks ago in Newcastle, last week’s bye week came at a good time for the team.
“We’re back in Ballarat. And we want to try to make amends.
“Last time we played there it didn’t go according to plan. But we’ve assessed and analyzed the opposition quite well.
“They [Roar] play a very similar system to us,” he said.
Roar currently sits in sixth, United in seventh on the ladder, adding to the fixture’s importance.
Another impressive crowd at Mars is expected after December’s encouraging 5000 plus attendance.
With all gates open and the hill also available for fans to sit and enjoy the action, another bumper crowd is tipped.
Rudan says it will make a difference.
“As a football club, it’s about growing our fanbase and growing as a football club.
“The people of Ballarat are very loyal and they were great last time around.”
The Green and Black had an extra boost this week with the confirmation that Japanese defender Tomoki Imai had joined the club for the remainder of the season.
Rudan praising the 29-year-old former Kashiwa Reysol and Omiya Ardija player.
“Tomoki has fitted in well to how we want to play and our values as a group. We look forward to seeing his contribution during the remainder of the season.”
Sunday, 16 February 2020
Kick-off: 4pm AEDT
Venue: Mars Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
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