IT’S the match we’ve had to wait too long for – Melbourne Victory against Brisbane Roar.

Due to some crazy A-League scheduling, the Roar and the Victory meet for the first time this season on Friday night.

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It’s a season that’s already passed its halfway mark, and a season in which the Roar have already played Wellington Phoenix three times.

It’s a shame that neither the Roar nor the Victory will be full strength on Friday at AAMI Park, with both clubs having players away on Olyroos duty.

media_camera Tempers flare between Besart Berisha and Daniel Bowles during the teams’ meeting in April. Picture: Jono Searle.

Roar-Victory clashes have always had the extra bit of feeling, with a host of former Brisbane players, and coaches, having moved to the Melbourne club.

They include the A-League’s biggest personality – Besart Berisha.

Loved by the Roar during his time in Brisbane, Berisha is sure to be cast as the chief villain this week. And he wouldn’t want it any other way.

It’s not just Berisha the Roar backline has to deal with. Another former Brisbane championship winner – Kosta Barbarouses – was superb in the second half of the Victory’s 3-3 draw with the Mariners last Friday night.

media_camera Former Roar star Besart Berisha is an A-League drawcard at the best of times, but coming up against his former club, and the likes of Roar import Thomas Broich, left, make the tie against the Victory all the more tempting. Picture: Tara Croser.

And that’s not forgetting Fahid Ben Khalfallah. Gui Finkler and Archie Thompson. The Victory’s attacking arsenal, when on song, remains the most lethal in the competition.

While the Victory’s recent form has been ordinary, they remain a litmus test for the Roar’s championship credentials.

If John Aloisi’s men stand up and be counted on Friday on the back of a quick turnaround from their trip to Wellington and without key attacking pair Jamie Maclaren and Brandon Borrello, nobody will able to say that Brisbane aren’t legitimate championship contenders.

Having already defied the odds to be sitting in first place on the ladder, the Roar will no doubt welcome the challenge the reigning champions will give them.