Adelaide United host Western Sydney Wanderers for the 2015-16 A-League Championship up for grabs in what is expected to be a pulsating encounter at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon.
It is rather fitting that this year’s final contains the top two placed sides in the competition after the Reds and the Wanderers finished as Premiers and runners-up respectively. What also adds to the anticipation and subplot of what will be a marvellous spectacle at the iconic oval, is the fact nothing could separate the two sides in their three league meetings this season. A 1-1 draw preceded successive scoreless stalemates, making for an intriguing final come Sunday.
The Reds ultimately thumped Melbourne City 4-1 at Hindmarsh Stadium last Friday in their semi-final to secure a first-ever home grand final. Coach Guillermo Amor will be hoping for a similar showing against a usually well-organised Wanderers outfit. Adelaide’s phenomenal turnaround in fortunes, after being winless in the first eight matches and bottom of the table, has been one of the all-time greatest sporting stories in Australian history. Following their Premier’s Plate success, United will be desperate to complete an inaugural double in front of a full capacity crowd at Adelaide Oval.
As for Western Sydney, boss Tony Popovic will be delighted with the character his team showed to come from three goals down inside 20 minutes to eventually triumph 5-4 after extra-time over Brisbane. For the neutral it was certainly one of best A-League matches ever. However, he would have been disappointed by the defensive lapses in concentration. The Wanderers were extremely poor defensively, committing several errors with the Roar taking full advantage.
For both clubs it is their third grand final appearance. But which side has the mettle to claim an elusive title, currently absent from the pairs’ trophy cabinet following two previous unsuccessful attempts?
Key Battle – Bruce Djite vs Romeo Castelen
Bruce Djite is presently in career best form, scoring 11 goals in his previous 13 matches. The talisman is oozing confidence and bagged a brace in that demolition job against City. His physical presence and tireless work-rate off the ball will be crucial in disrupting the rhythm of WSW and causing a handful for their suspect back-four.
CrownBet match odds at time of publishing
Meanwhile, Romeo Castelen’s trickery and pace on the wing has the potential to create all sorts of problems. Fresh off the back of netting a hat-trick against Brisbane, the Dutchman will be wanting to continue that goal-scoring form, given he has previously been synonymous for missing a surfeit of chances.
Team News
Amor has a full squad to choose from for the epic clash, which could lead to a few selection headaches. The Spaniard may decide to include Tarek Elrich at the expense of Bruce Kamau, despite his inspired outing against City and thus forcing Craig Goodwin onto the wing. However, that is unlikely given Amor has named an unchanged line-up for four straight weeks.
Popovic could also name an unchanged XI. Mitch Nichols is free to play, despite being cited by the FFA following a rude gesture, as he has until Wednesday to respond to the charge. Dario Vidosic, the match-winner in the 5-4 contest is expected to start proceedings on the bench. Brendon Santalab should also retain his spot, meaning Mark Bridge will remain on the wing.
Head-to-Head
Just like this campaign, their overall head-to-head statistics are inseparable with both Adelaide and Western Sydney recording four wins apiece and four draws in 16 preceding meetings.
Previous Meeting
The Reds’ last clash with the Wanderers occurred on matchday 19 and finished 0-0 for the second consecutive time. Amor’s men were understrength and survived a barrage of WSW attacks, defending resolutely to ensure Galekovic would collect yet another clean sheet.
Prediction
It will no doubt be an intensely fought match, given a championship is at stake. The current South Australian record attendance of 33,126 for a domestic football game against Melbourne Victory at Adelaide Oval in October 2014 is projected to be smashed with a crowd of in excess of 50,000 people a real possibility. Despite being at the Adelaide Oval – not conducive to the world game – the atmosphere should still be electric enhancing the overall event. Incidentally, United have experienced success in their seven games at the Oval, winning four, drawing two and losing once way back in 2007.
The match itself should be a close one, however, if the Wanderers defend in a parallel fashion as they did against the Roar, Adelaide will win comfortably. The Reds have the stingiest defence in the league, conceding a mere four goals in their past nine matches and keeping six clean sheets. Western Sydney will be efficient in possession and try to catch Adelaide on the break and will want to dominate the midfield. The home support should carry them over the line, and if the South Australians perform to the level they have recently been demonstrating (one defeat in their last 20 matches) fate should take care of itself.
Adelaide United 2 Western Sydney Wanderers 1
*CrownBet match odds at time of publishing at time of publishing
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