Brisbane Roar vs Auckland FC Tips & Prediction - Roar's form slump to continue against ladder leaders

Brisbane put together an impressive start to the season, but their shortcomings have been visible in the last couple of weeks and now they have a very tough assignment to get back on track against Auckland. The Roar are a very physical side, but they do lack that bit of class and individual quality to consistently perform well in the A-League and they've been found out in recent times, losing three of their last four games - including Tuesday night's defeat to out-of-form Melbourne City. Auckland meanwhile are winless in two, but still flying high at the top of the table with six wins and will view this game as an excellent opportunity to extend their lead over Sydney and the rest of the chasing pack.

Despite home ground advantage, I can't back Brisbane here. They've ridden some luck (in my opinion) to be inside the top four heading into Round 12, but that's starting to even out now. Auckland are the superior side, are usually very sound defensively and have lots of attacking firepower, led by Lachie Brook, who has scored three goals in his last five games. Backing the Black Knights in a low-scoring affair.

After a few disappointing seasons, all Brisbane fans would have instantly taken fourth spot heading into Round 12 at the beginning of the campaign, but there's signs the Roar are starting to fade.

Michael Valkanis' side come into this encounter having lost three of their last four games - and their lone win in that period was a last-minute 2-1 triumph over lowly Central Coast on New Year's Eve.

Brisbane followed that result up with a shock 3-0 loss at home to Wellington before Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat to Melbourne City on the road.

Steve Corica's side are unbeaten in four of their last five games, with their only blemish coming against the Newcastle Jets, who are capable of beating any side on their day.

That 3-1 loss at home snapped Auckland's three-game winning streak, which included toppling Wellington (3-1), Central Coast (2-1) and the Wanderers (2-0).

Auckland were in action on Monday night, earning a 1-1 draw away to Macarthur as winger Lachie Brook continued his terrific form by scoring his fourth goal of the season.