Experience ... Luke Brattan believes the Roar have an edge over Western Sydney. Source: Sarah Marshall / News Limited
Gun midfielder Luke Brattan has declared Brisbane Roar hold a finals edge over A-League premiers Western Sydney but admits they could struggle to replace captain Thomas Broich.
Broich optimistically believes he will be right to line up against the Wanderers in Friday night's semi-final at Parramatta Stadium after injuring his heel badly on Sunday night in Adelaide.
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The skilful German playmaker was replaced at halftime of the 2-1 victory over Adelaide United with severe bruising to his Achilles and lower calf, but will be given every chance to be fit in time to play.
"I should be alright,'' Broich said on Monday afternoon. ``It happened yesterday, give it a day or two, it might be gone. It's just massive bruising right now.''
Coach Mike Mulvey also remained confident of a quick recovery but did stress the Roar would not take any risks with the player seen as the best import in A-League history.
Broich helped set up Brisbane's opening goal against the Reds with a pin-point corner pass to Brattan who volleyed home from long-range.
Brattan, who only this year gained a regular start as the Roar's holding midfielder in place of the departed Erik Paartalu, said the club would miss Broich ``a lot'' if he failed to recover.
"We do have depth in the squad but Thomas is definitely the best player in our team,'' the 20-year-old said. ``He's very creative and when he's on the ball he's unbelievable.
"He sees things that not many people see and that's a big plus.
"If we don't have him we'll figure it out; we should be right but he's a big bonus.''
While the Wanderers hold a 3-0 record over Brisbane this season and are the hottest team in the competition after sweeping to the premiership in their maiden year, the Roar are back-to-back champions who boast a faultless finals record in the past three seasons.
Brattan said that gave the visitors an edge against the fledgling club.
"Definitely. We're experienced in that and it's a one-off game and anything can happen.
"I think on our day we can beat anyone and we've shown that in the last couple of weeks that we're back to our best and taking momentum into the finals.''
Broich agreed the Roar would be far better tuned to turning the tables at a capacity Parramatta Stadium.
"It's not going to be easy but we're peaking at the right time,'' he said.
"It's an even contest now.''
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