Newcastle Jets superstar Emile Heskey says Brisbane Roar play best football in A-League Thomas Broich battles for possession with Marcos Flores. FORMER England striker Emile Heskey has paid Brisbane Roar the ultimate compliment by describing their style of football as the best in the A-League. Brisbane's brilliant passing and possession game has earned then four wins from five matches and top spot on the ladder heading into Sunday's clash against Heskey's Newcastle Jets at Hunter Stadium. The Jets tasted victory for the first time this season last Saturday with a 2-1 away win over Adelaide United, but ex-Liverpool marksman Heskey knows his side will have to further lift this weekend to beat the Roar, despite the likelihood Brisbane will be without five first-team regulars. "You put yourself up against the best and hopefully that can bring out the best in us," said Heskey, who made his return from a knee injury with a 25-minute cameo against Adelaide. For me they are one of, if not the best team in the league football-wise. Newcastle will give Emile Heskey more game time against Brisbane Roar in order to rebuild the marquee striker's match fitness. Even last year you saw little glimpses of it and it was nice to see. The compliment was music to the ears of Roar skipper and central defender Matt Smith, who is desperate to lock horns with Heskey. Due to Socceroos commitments and injuries, Smith didn't get the chance to mark Heskey last season. "I'm really hoping he starts this week," England-born Smith said. He was a player I watched and supported when I was growing up and I admire his play. He's very powerful, clever in the box and very deadly. You always want to challenge yourself against the best players. Smith's regular central defensive partner Jade North is set to return from a groin injury this weekend. But Roar coach Mike Mulvey yesterday said key striker Besart Berisha (hamstring), playmaker Liam Miller (calf) and veteran left fullback Shane Stefanutto (hamstring) were almost certain to miss another week. They will be joined on the unavailable list by star pair Matt McKay and Ivan Franjic, who are in Socceroos camp ahead of Tuesday night's friendly between Australia and Costa Rica in Sydney. In the absence of McKay and Franjic, North could be used in the midfield, which would allow James Donachie to retain his place alongside Smith in the heart of Brisbane's defence. In his first appearance of the season, Donachie was outstanding in the Roar's 1-0 away win over champions Central Coast Mariners last Sunday. "We've got quite a few options in lots of different positions," Mulvey said.