A winless Adelaide United host Perth Glory in round nine of the A-League with both sides struggling for form and yearning for three points at the bottom of the league standings.
The Reds have endured their worst ever start to a season since the league’s inception 10 years ago as the pressure continues to mount on beleaguered coach Guillermo Amor. A 2-1 defeat at the hands of Melbourne Victory in their last outing did little to appease fans with frustrations reaching fever pitch because the South Australians only began to play in the final 20 minutes – when of course it was too late.
Adelaide are yet to claim a win this term under the Spanish boss and have just three draws to show for their exploits in a season many predicted would see them finish in the top six. One could be forgiven for the error of judgement given the continuity and stability of the squad was virtually identical from last term. It will not get any easier for the hosts either, as the match is scheduled to kick off at 4.30 pm ACDT with the temperature forecast to reach a stifling 40°c.
Meanwhile, Perth are experiencing a similar fate as the Reds and have only recorded just the solitary win back in October, coincidentally against United courtesy of a 3-1 triumph. Kenny Lowe’s men suffered a 5-1 annihilation against Melbourne City in round eight to pile more unwanted misery on the Western Australian outfit. The fact that Lowe’s side has been dogged by an injury crisis somewhat mitigates its underwhelming start, as several instrumental players have missed a number of games. Perth have amassed four points in seven league matches and are situated one place ahead of the Reds in ninth position.
Key Battle – Sergio Cirio vs Nebojsa Marinkovic
These two players have the potential to be influential factors in deciding the outcome of this clash. Cirio displayed another decent showing against City and will look to torment an inexperienced Glory defence. In contrast, Marinkovic’s ability to control the midfield and tempo of his side’s play is first class with an apt passing range. The Serbian has a knack for scoring against Adelaide and has two goals including a stunning strike at Hindmarsh Stadium at the beginning of this year.
Team News
Marcelo Carrusca could be recalled to the starting XI by Amor at the expense of George Mells after coming on as a substitute in the past three matches including an inspired performance off the bench against the Victory. Iacopo La Rocca (foot) is still a week away from returning, while Osama Malik is unavailable for another three weeks as he nurses a hamstring problem. Craig Goodwin will also miss the match through suspension due to the accumulation of five yellow cards. This means Mate Dugandzic and Bruce Kamau will likely compete for the vacant hole left by Goodwin. Striker Eli Babalj is back following a foot injury which has seen him miss almost two months of action.
For Lowe, he has been plagued with an insurmountable injury toll so far this campaign as his squad is currently stretched to the limit, particularly in his defensive stocks. Centre-back Aryn Williams, who was signed as an injury replacement, is suspended following two bookable offences in the heavy defeat to City. The absentees of defenders Dino Djulbic and Alex Grant through ankle and thigh injuries respectively further compound the Glory’s woes. Industrious midfielder Ruben Zadkovich also remains on the treatment table with a knee complaint as does Guyon Fernandez (hamstring), but should return next week. However, in some positive news, Socceroo Josh Risdon and Hungarian Gyorgy Sandor could feature from the outset.
Head-to-Head
The Reds have dominated this fixture with 14 wins to the Glory’s nine, leaving eight stalemates. However, the visitors’ last win in the city of churches occurred in March 2012.
Previous Meeting
Perth ended a run of nine league matches – stretching over three and half years – without a win against the Reds in the pair’s previous encounter after a 3-1 victory.
Prediction
Adelaide have illustrated signs of improvement in recent matches, albeit minor and it is this reason why they may eventually prove triumphant – since they are due for a win. The growing injury toll at Perth has not facilitated Lowe and could turn out to be their Achilles heel. Despite the scarcity of chances created and goals scored by the Coopers Stadium team, it could expose a largely makeshift and depleted back four, akin to the fashion in which City dismantled the Glory a week earlier. The heat will certainly not help and make for a lacklustre affair, but United will just edge this one.
Adelaide United 2 Perth Glory 1
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