Adelaide United welcome Brisbane Roar to the Adelaide Oval on Friday night in what is antcipated to be a highly frenetic elimination final.
Much of the build-up to this pivotal clash was the FFA’s controversial decision to play the game at the much maligned Adelaide Oval instead of a full-capacity Coopers Stadium. The Reds have also initially made it no secret they lamented playing on the hallowed turf of the historic ground, insisting it is not their home ground.
Nevertheless, Adelaide knows it has a job to do and will not use the unconducive venue as an excuse. The third-placed Reds conveniently hit form in their 4-1 trouncing of Melbourne City and will be looking to consolidate from last week against Brisbane.
As for Brisbane Roar, they will expediently take full advantage of Perth Glory’s omission from the finals series, due to breaching the salary cap. Despite the Roar’s struggles this season it remains the most experienced team when it comes to playing final series, having won three A-League championships in four years.
The last time these two teams faced off in the A-League occurred just three weeks ago. The hosts succumbed to an insipid 3-2 loss to the Roar, with the visitors keeping intact their remarkable record in the City of Churches. In addition, the pair has been pitted against each other in previous finals series, not least during the same stage in the 2012-13 elimination final, when the Reds tasted defeat, losing 2-1 at Coopers Stadium to the Roar.
Earlier, in the 2008-09 campaign, it was Adelaide who narrowly edged past Brisbane 1-0 in the preliminary final to progress to the grand final, where they subsequently yielded to a 1-0 defeat versus fierce rivals Melbourne Victory.
Key Battle – Marcelo Carrusca vs Thomas Broich
An intriguing sub-plot from the elimination final clash is the match-up between the natural flair of the Argentine and the dynamism of the German maestro. Carrusca returns to the Reds’ starting lineup, giving the hosts another dimension in attack. His passing range and close ball control are second to none and he will be crucial in looking to feed the Adelaide forwards in on goal.
Broich meanwhile has seen his season interrupted by injury, but he is back to his best and can single-handedly turn a match on its head, like Carrusca. However, the German is excellent on the wing and can either dribble his way to goal and score or deliver a pin-point cross, exposing any defensive deficiencies.
Team News
Josep Gombau will be ecstatic with Carrusca’s inclusion, as well as recalling the suspended Nigel Boogaard. Awer Mabil also returns and is expected to feature from the bench, while Isaias and Jimmy Jeggo will likely be restored to the starting XI. However, following the victory over City, Bruce Djite will reportedly miss the match due to picking up a groin problem, which could see Miguel Palanca play in a more central role. Defender Michael Marrone is also out after he received a red card.
Adelaide United Expected XI (4-3-3): Galekovic (GK); Elrich, Malik, Boogaard, Goodwin; Isaias, Carrusca, Jeggo; Cirio, Palanca, Pablo Sanchez.
Interim boss Frans Thijssen will be without a number of crucial players through season-ending injuries. Luke DeVere is absent with a quad complaint, while Henrique has a knee injury. Shane Stefanutto is also missing with a calf problem and stalwart Jade North had his appendix removed, meaning he too will miss the finals series.
Brisbane Roar Expected XI (4-3-3): Young (GK); Bowels, Hingert, Donachie, Brown; Brattan, McKay, Broich; Borrello, Solorzano, Kaluderovic.
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Head-to-Head
Adelaide and the Roar have met on 32 occasions, however the head-to-head record is very much evenly poised as Brisbane has 13 wins to the Reds’ 11, leaving eight draws. Incidentally, United have not beaten the Roar in the league at Hindmarsh Stadium since the beginning of 2010.
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Prediction
It will be a fascinating game that will ebb and flow throughout proceedings. Expect an end-to-end match which will be played with a high intensity. Adelaide might just edge this one given it is due to finally win against Brisbane in South Australia for the first time in five years. The Roar have a number of injuries to experienced campaigners and despite the Reds missing two regulars, they appear too strong in this one.
Adelaide United 2 Brisbane Roar 1
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