Saturday night meant a third game in eight days and despite coach Graham Arnold continually boasting about his side’s fitness levels, he made several changes to his starting XI.

Rare starts for Sebastian Ryall and fan favourite Matt Simon. Adrian Mierzejewski also started after his Mark Viduka Medal winning performance on Tuesday, despite barely being able to walk after the full-time whistle.

Brisbane on the other hand were fresh off their first win for the 2017/18 season against Melbourne City and despite the fact they’re still missing several key first-team players, John Aloisi is finally getting some consistency in his line-up.

The Sky Blues could return to the top of the A-League table with a win after the Newcastle Jets’ usurped them on Thursday, whilst Brisbane Roar were looking to enter the Top 6 with back to back wins.

So could the men in orange take advantage of the heavy schedule and disruption to their oppositions line up or would the Sky Blues machine roll on?

Sydney FC

Andrew Redmayne – 7 - Comfortable evening for the Sydney FC first choice gloveman. Very rarely challenged. Conceded late after Jack Hingert’s shot was deflected.

Luke Wilkshire – 6.5 - On the left tonight but not unusual over his career to be deployed there. Whipped in the cross that won Sydney a penalty, duly converted by Adrian Mierzejewski. Contained the likes of Khalfallah and Holman well until injury time when the latter got by him to set-up Brisbane’s consolation.

Jordy Buijs – 7.5 - Quiet night for him but came up with a pin-point assist for Sydney’s third when he put the ball on Sebastian Ryall’s head.

Alex Wilkinson – 7 - Typical workman like performance from the former Socceroo. Did not allow Maccarone to have any influence. Unfortunate deflection to allow Brisbane to get on the scoresheet.