Queensland Roar defender Josh McCloughan has pinpointed Perth striker Nikita Rukavytsya as the danger man ahead of their Hyundai A-League clash at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
The attacker has been in excellent form for the Glory scoring four goals in his last three matches.
With captain Craig Moore ruled out of the match, McCloughan was confident he and returning youngster Luke DeVere could do the job.
“I think we’ll be fine, I’ve played with Luke before and there are no dramas there,” he said.
“But (Rukavytsya) has been doing really well and scoring some good goals so he’s definitely a dangerous player for us."
“I’ve noticed every time he picks the ball up just inside his own half and runs with it he’s very dangerous and that’s when I think he has his success so I think when he’s asking for that ball we need to be nice and tight with him.”
McCloughan still harbours hopes of winning the title this year, but knows his side has to win this week to stay in touch with the leaders.
“I think if we’re serious about it we have to take three points on Sunday, definitely," he said.
“Looking now at the side there are a lot of changes. I think this is where if anyone wants to step and needs to step up it’s Sunday."
“You’ve been sitting on the sidelines for seven or eight weeks, if it’s not burning enough for you to take your chance you obviously don’t want to play.”
Roar coach Frank Farina said Danny Tiatto was unlikely to play due to a foot injury and potential replacement David Dodd is also out.
“Perth’s going to be a difficult game, whether it looks easy on paper it’s certainly not the case but we want to get the monkey off our back," he said.
“It’s obviously something that has concerned us as well and we’re desperate for a win."
“These are the sorts of games you have to win at home."