Words: Steve Pitman & Michael Flynn

Brisbane Strikers coach Kevin A’herne-Evans believes his side can take nothing for granted against Olympic FC in their Brisbane derby tonight at Goodwin Park.

Despite sitting top of the PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland table, A’herne-Evans has claimed the underdog tag for the clash against the fourth-placed two-time Grand Finalists.

“I’ve watched a lot of Olympic throughout the season and done a lot of analysis on them,” A’Herne-Evans said.

“But they’re one of the most difficult teams to do analysis on, because of the experience that they’ve got and the individuals that they’ve got in their camp.”

“The players on the field are basically that adaptable that they can change it to however the opposition is setting up against them, or whatever the opposition are trying to do.”

Olympic will head into the match with confidence after recording three straight wins, however Strikers remain undefeated this season with four wins bookended by two draws.

Strikers will be without the flair of striker Jheison Macuace for the match after the Colombian received two yellow cards in last week’s draw with Moreton Bay United - the second for simulation for cynical dive late in the match.

A’herne-Evans admitted the loss of Macuace was a blow to his team’s chances against Olympic.

“There’s elements of what Jheison brings to the game that are irreplaceable, really,” he said.

“His ability to drive our players  and particularly against Olympic in previous years, he’s won us a number of fouls in really dangerous areas,”

“However, we are fortunate that we have got a good squad and we can bring back somebody that’s played for Australia in the younger age groups in Josh McVey,” he added.

Strikers are also expected to welcome back influential winger Greg King, with defenders David Salin and Sam Knight also in contention for the match day squad as the approach full-fitness.

A’herne-Evans concluded that he expected a real derby atmosphere for the match.

“There’s a lot of history between the players and a lot history between the two clubs and there’s no doubt about it – there’ll be a big crowd at Goodwin Park and the Brisbane footballing fraternity will come out to watch it,” he concluded.