When the magically mysterious fixture computer churned out the A-League fixtures for 2015-16, a Thursday night meeting between Adelaide United and Melbourne City looked a more enticing affair than most.
With both sides tipped to occupy places in the top four for the season ahead, the reality as we prepare for round five sees both sides operating well below expectations. Make no mistake, this remains as a game of high magnitude, but for completely different reasons than those anticipated before a ball was kicked in anger this season. Both coaches come into the match under some scrutiny, and it is hard to see how speculation regarding a management change will escape both men by this time next week.
Adelaide sit rock bottom, reeling after shooting blanks at the beginning of a season that promised so much. Nothing about the Reds’ squad, tactics or general approach has drastically changed, but a loss in this must-win encounter could see the Reds fall 11 points shy of top spot after only a handful of matches. Guillermo Amor’s calm demeanour and noted pedigree with FC Barcelona has undoubtedly bought him time, but that luxury will expire by some degree with a loss.
A similar conundrum awaits John Van’t Schip if his side cannot adequately bounce back from Friday night’s horror show against the Newcastle Jets. The reaction post-match suggested that City threw away more than three points. After a 2013/14 campaign shrouded with inconsistency, a porous defence and unreliable attack ended with the fabled wooden spoon, John Van’t Schip regained some credibility in season 10, leading Heart-cum-City to a semi-final appearance. The shrewd signings of Northern Ireland central defender Aaron Hughes, Uruguayan striker Bruno Fornaroli and Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen gave the City faithful hope that their side had gained true class through the spine of the team. These signings were coupled with keeping hold of star midfielder Aaron Mooy, while the side has been given a youthful edge with the first-team promotion of Wade Dekker and Hernan Espindola, two standout National Youth League performers.
This season promised to be different from the others. It looked as though it certainly would, too, after earning a credible point against last season’s grand finalists, Sydney FC in round 1. An inconsistent performance in the Melbourne Derby was largely overlooked, before a more mature showing against the Central Coast Mariners had tongue’s wagging about the 20 home-and-away matches to come.
City’s showing in the second half against the Jets was so 2013. In truth, Melbourne Heart supporters were served up far worse than what was dished out at AAMI Park last week. The A-League fraternity has learned to trust this re-branded outfit with far more confidence than in previous campaigns.When that confidence is betrayed, however, the low points take on a whole new meaning.
However, a week is a long time in football. Van’t Schip is likely to hand Aaron Hughes his A-League debut, while it is hoped that Robert Koren will provide greater output following an injury-forced layoff. Adelaide’s attacking prowess should be helped by Bruce Djite’s return. The striker’s 30-minute cameo in Saturday night’s 3-0 loss away to the Brisbane Roar suggested that the Reds are better equipped with a physical, aggressive focal point in forward areas. An early goal could make for a truly memorable contest – a real old-school shootout could follow, especially considering the expansive philosophies of Van’t Schip and Amor.
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