VETERAN Western Sydney Wanderers defender Robbie Cornthwaite is confident the Wanderers can enter the cauldron at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night and defeat the Brisbane Roar.
The Wanderers finished the A-League season in sixth place, and face a long battle to make it into the grand final, but the team is up to the task according to Cornthwaite.
“It’s zero points now, zero goal difference, everything is an even playing field,” Cornthwaite said.
“We know we’ve got to win three games. We did that only in the last few weeks.
“We’re pretty confident.”
Speaking after the 2-2 draw the Wanderers had with Adelaide United in the final round of the regular season, Cornthwaite, who spent six years with Adelaide, said he received a warm welcome.
“[I] copped a bit of stick from the from the fans, not sure why, but it’s all fun and games,” he laughed.
“All of my friends and family are here so it’s nice to come and put in a good performance personally.”
Meanwhile, fellow Wanderers defender Jack Clisby has told the AAP that the Wanderers do not fear Brisbane.
"Our defence has been excellent the last month," Clisby said.
"We've been playing good football and a big part of that is the mental side of things.
"Earlier on we were playing well for only about 50-60 minutes and then getting slack towards the end of games.
"But now we're seeing out games better.
"Our concentration is much better so I feel like we'll be able to contain them if we play the way we can."
At the same time, Brisbane Roar striker Jamie Maclaren said any teams which faced the Roar in the finals ought to be wary of the team’s strike power.
The Roar scored three goals in 16 minutes and turn around a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Wellington Phoenix in the final round of the A-League season.
“We said at half-time teams are going to see, even if they’re in front at Suncorp, it’s going to be hard [to beat us],” Maclaren told Fox Sports.
“It’s good character from the boys and I’m proud of them.”
Maclaren scored a goal in the 53rd minute, and nearly had another, after winning a penalty shot in the 76th minute, however, he could not beat the keeper.
“Obviously I’m disappointed personally. I should have buried the penalty,” Maclaren said.
“I’ve scored five [from the spot this season] and the penalty wasn’t good enough.
“It’s been a good season for me overall but for the boys it’s great to get the result and next week is important.”
While the Roar had a thrilling win, the Wanderers finished the season off with a draw.
Adelaide scored two first half goals through Marcelo Carrusca and Dylan McGowan, however, the Wanderers showed some ticker to fight back.
Nicholas Martinez missed a penalty shot near the end of the first half, but then in the second half, Delgado Dimas and Steve Lustica struck back.
A win against Brisbane would see the Wanderers face off against bitter rivals Sydney FC in a week’s time.
The Wanderers kick off against Brisbane at 7.50pm on Friday night.