Adelaide United welcome Brisbane Roar to Coopers Stadium on Saturday evening, with both sides needing the three points for contrasting reasons.
Adelaide will be looking to consolidate on its two game winning streak, while remaining undefeated for the preceding four games, following consecutive losses. Despite recording important 1-0 wins against Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC respectively, the Reds have been far from impressive. However, one pleasing aspect of Josep Gombau’s side is that it is learning how to win ugly, something which has eluded the side all season. Following the triumph against the Sky Blues, United have climbed up to third in the league on 43 points, with the knowledge it must continue to collect maximum points heading into the final series.
As for Brisbane, the Roar’s top six aspirations are hanging by a thread after Frans Thijssen’s men ran rampant, trouncing the Central Coast Mariners 6-1. With four matches left for Brisbane there is still reason to be optimistic, but a defeat to the Reds would almost end their quest – not mathematically – particularly if Melbourne City win. To compound Brisbane’s title hopes even more, the side has a limited turn around to be physically and mentally prepared for Adelaide, following its mid-week Asian Champions League match in South Korea, yielding 3-1 to Suwon Bluewings. The Roar lie in seventh position in the standings, six points off City and are desperately vying for a fifth straight finals appearance. However, one favourable omen is that the Roar have a fabulous record at Coopers Stadium, loosing just four times since the inaugural 2005/06 season.
Key Battle – Sergio Cirio vs Steven Lustica
The Spaniard has consistently performed this season, in spite of his relatively meagre goal return of just six league goals. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old persistently causes havoc down the left-hand side and is one of the factors behind Adelaide’s resurgence. As for Lustica, the former Reds midfielder has been in terrific form, too. The 23-year-old netted a hat-trick in his last outing and will be key in being the link between the Roar’s midfield to attack.
Team News
Josep Gombau is likely to be without Awer Mabil after he suffered another muscle injury, following his brief cameo appearance off the bench against Sydney. Marcelo Carrusca remains absent with a quad problem, while Osama Malik is expected to return to a more familiar role in midfield. Socceroos defender Tarek Elrich is a welcome boost to the squad after serving a two-match suspension.
Adelaide United Expected Starting XI (4-3-3): Galekovic (GK); Marrone, McGowan, Boogaard, Elrich; Isaias, Malik, Jeggo; Cirio, Djite, Goodwin.
Interim boss Frans Thijssen could name the same side that obliterated the Mariners a little over a week ago. However, Jade North will miss the crucial clash, after he was substituted early in the second-half during that match. Jerome Polenz (thigh) and Henrique (knee) continue their recovery on the sidelines and will be out of selection. James Donachie and Luke DeVere are anticipated to compete for the vacant centre-back spot, following the pair’s return from international duty.
Brisbane Roar Expected Starting XI (4-3-3): Young(GK); Bowels, Hingert, Donachie, Stefanutto; Brattan, McKay, Lustica; Broich, Solorzano, Kaluderovic.
Head-to-head
Adelaide and the Roar have met on 31 occasions, however the head-to-head record is very much evenly poised as Brisbane has 12 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.
Previous Meeting
The last time these two teams faced off in the A-League occurred back in December. The hosts succumbed to a surprising 1-0 loss to the Roar and perhaps had one eye on the FFA Cup final four days later against Perth Glory.
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Prediction
Adelaide must claim all three points if it is to have any hope of securing the Premier’s Plate, with Melbourne Victory a point clear with a game in hand. However, it will not be easy for Gombau’s men as the visitors will be pushing for an unlikely finals berth and recently hit the Mariners for six the previous week. The Reds have been far from convincing in its last two matches, but they managed to walk away with successive 1-0 victories and are understanding how to win ugly. Expect United to come out all guns blazing in an attempt to finally beat Brisbane at Coopers Stadium.
Adelaide United 2 Brisbane Roar 1
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