A-League – Combined XI – Western Sydney Wanderers vs Adelaide United

A-League – Combined XI – Western Sydney Wanderers vs Adelaide United

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Third-placed Adelaide United travel to Wanderland this weekend to take on second-placed Western Sydney in what shapes to be a crucial six-pointer in the race for the Premier’s Plate.

Outside90 brings these two premiership challengers together to determine a combined best XI ahead of one of the biggest games of the season.

WSWADLCXI

Did we miss anyone?

Eugene Galekovic – Goalkeeper – Adelaide

An easy selection in this XI, the Reds captain has proved himself to be one of, if not the best goalkeeper in the league. It is no coincidence Adelaide’s season turned a corner after his return from injury. Not only are his shot stopping and leadership abilities such big assets to the team, but his distribution with his hands and most importantly, feet, are pivotal to the way Guillermo Amor’s team are set up to play.

Michael Marrone – Right-back – Adelaide

The Adelaide native has reinvigorated his career since coming home. His fitness and workrate allow him to contribute to both defence and also attack, an area of his game he has recently taken to the next level.

Alberto Aguilar – Centre-back – Western Sydney

The former La Liga defender has flown under the radar in the Wanderers side this season, but the towering Spaniard brings experience and defensive steel missing from the side of the previous season.

Dylan McGowan – Centre-back – Adelaide

McGowan has been the Reds’ best player in defence this season and is a large contributing factor as to why Adelaide have conceded the least goals in the league. The former Olyroo is consistently making clean, last ditch tackles and throwing himself in front of opposition shots to protect Galekovic’s goal.

Scott Jamieson – Left-back – Western Sydney

The feisty left-footer easily nails down a place in the XI. In addition to his normal defensive duties, the former Reds defender often bombs forward and plays almost as a second winger, using that sweet left foot to deliver deadly crosses into the box for his forward line. An added bonus is the fact that Jamieson is a set piece specialist, his dead ball delivery among the best in the league, while scoring the occasional direct free kick.

Dimas Delgado – Defensive-midfield – Western Sydney

This selection proved to be the most difficult selection in the side, just edging out team mate Andreu and opponent Isaias. By scouting a player like Dimas, Tony Popovic has completely changed the way his side play this season. A midfielder like Dimas ensures the Wanderers will more often than not dictate the play and tempo of the game due to the amount of possession his side will see due to excellent ball retention and distribution. Although against a significantly weaker opponent last week in Newcastle, this was evident as the outstanding Spaniard’s ball distribution and the tempo he set made sure the Jets chased shadows for the entire match, with no reward.

Marcelo Carrusca – Attacking-midfield – Adelaide

An easy choice, the Argentine needs no introduction. As one of the league’s most silky, skilful players, Carrusca can win a match on his own with that trusty left peg. Like Galekovic, it’s no coincidence the Reds’ fortunes have changed for the better since his return from injury.

Mitch Nichols – Attacking-midfield – Western Sydney

For a team with only one number 10, Carrusca would be the pick. However, with the attacking prowess of both sides, it would be a double injustice to play just one number 10 and then leave Nichols out of the side. Nichols is another player whose arrival has transformed the way Popovic’s side play. He is a proven performer, regularly producing the goods for Brisbane and Perth in the past.

Craig Goodwin – Left-wing – Adelaide

The former Melbourne Heart and Newcastle Jets player has been a revelation this season and another player who has been reincarnated since returning to his hometown. At Newcastle, Goodwin endured a patchy, interrupted spell, being regularly swapped between left-back and left-wing. He was rarely afforded any consistency to take his game to the next level by getting regular game time in the one position. On joining the Reds, Goodwin has been used primarily on the left hand side of the attack. His speed when combined with his dominant left foot are a deadly combination for any defence.

Mark Bridge – Striker – Western Sydney

The two-time A-League champion has been a mainstay in this Wanderers side since the club’s foundation year. Bridge is a well-rounded striker who, while not prolific, scores more than the occasional goal, works hard and also has the pace to get in behind opposition defences to lay on assists for teammates, as shown in last weekend’s 1-0 victory over his former side at Hunter Stadium.

Romeo Castelen – Right-wing – Western Sydney

One of the league’s sharpest players, the Dutchman has the ability to singlehandedly win a football match. With some better execution and choices in the front third on a regular basis, Castelen has the potential to be the league’s best. Despite his inconsistency, his ability to score the most outrageous goal and breeze past defenders with ease would make him an asset to any side in the league. A nightmare for any left or right-back to try to defend.

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