SYDNEY, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The first round of Australian football's A-League playoffs gets underway this weekend with two quarterfinal matchups.
On Friday at 19:50 (AEST), the third-placed Brisbane Roar will take on the sixth-placed Western Sydney Wanderers at home.
Although the Wanderers have seen a bit of a resurgence during the back half of the season and are the only side to hold a victory over the minor premiers Sydney FC, the Roar should prove far too strong in Queensland.
The team's dynamic attack and a well-organized defensive structure under manager and former Australian international player John Aloisi poses a massive challenge for the travelling Sydney outfit.
Saturday's fixture (19:00) will see a repeat of last week's stunning 5-4 match between Melbourne City and Perth Glory which saw fourth and fifth battle it out in the last round of the regular season.
On that occasion it was City that took the honors, but this week is difficult to predict.
The long trip to Melbourne may leave the Glory at a slight disadvantage. With plenty of firepower up front for both teams, anything could happen.
First-placed Sydney FC and second place Melbourne Victory will enjoy this week off before facing the winners the following weekend in the semifinals.
