A kind run of fixtures could potentially see the Reds surge into the top four for the first time this season, pending results go their way in the ensuing month of football.
Adelaide United have the chance of making it three consecutive wins against a Brisbane Roar outfit reeling from a humiliating 4-0 trouncing at the hands of Melbourne Victory.
The Reds must continue their dramatic return to form if they are to improve their title credentials, after consolidating their status in the top six for another week following a 3-1 win over the Central Coast Mariners. However, any feat at Suncorp Stadium will not come easy unless Guillermo Amor’s men are disciplined and execute the tactics implemented by the Spanish boss – after all they are playing the league leaders.
Amor will be without several of his regulars for the clash on Friday night. Jimmy Jeggo and Michael Marrone – two mainstays in the starting XI – are both suspended due to accruing five yellow cards, while wide-man Sergio Cirio is unavailable for selection with a hamstring strain. Compounding Adelaide’s personnel issues, gloveman Eugene Galekovic’s fitness remains uncertain as he battles a groin injury sustained last week in training.
But in some positive news for Reds fans, prodigious talent Jordan Elsey returns from a one-match suspension and Osama Malik is also a possibility of featuring in some capacity for the first time since 22 November. Iacopo La Rocca also played his inaugural A-League match for the club against the Mariners, replacing Elsey at centre-back, but the Italian’s versatility could prove indispensable given Jeggo’s absence.
La Rocca, who was frequently deployed as a defensive midfielder under Tony Popovic during his time with the Wanderers, appears the ideal candidate to succeed the 23-year-old in the centre of the park. However, his probable inclusion in the line-up is likely to force a tactical switch in midfield with a two-man pivot in front of the back-four a rational ploy, instead of Adelaide’s inverted triangle with two attacking midfielders.
If this hypothetical scenario was to come to fruition, Isaias would figure alongside the ex-Pro Vercelli man and provide additional cover to a now resilient defence. Argentine Marcelo Carrusca would still occupy the advanced position and be bestowed the honour of having that ‘free role’ – released from the shackles of acquitting ample defensive work.
With La Rocca in midfield, it would allow Osama Malik to appear somewhere in the defence to supersede full-back Marrone. Although, it may not be a direct swap as the Barca icon could elect against inserting Malik in the right-back spot and alternatively shift Dylan McGowan to the right due to possessing extra pace.
No matter what methods Amor decides to employ he does have a significant advantage heading into the game. A statement few teams could think or exclaim, before traveling to the sunshine state to face John Aloisi’s ladder leading troops – not that Amor would admit it.
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The thumping endured against the rampant Victory highlighted Brisbane’s conspicuous depletion across the park. It is no secret out of all the A-League clubs to have lost players to the Olyroos squad for the 2016 AFC U-23 Championship, the Roar have arguably been hit the hardest. Three starters in Jamie Maclaren, Brandon Borrello and James Donachie are all away on international duty and their absence certainly contributed to the Roar’s downfall last Friday at AAMI Park.
To add insult to injury veteran defender Shane Stefanutto is a guaranteed omission, amassing his fifth caution of the campaign during the humbling defeat in Melbourne. Meanwhile, skipper Matt McKay is doubtful for the game against Adelaide with a hip complaint which compelled him to leave proceedings on the hour-mark.
Brisbane’s vulnerability is perhaps Adelaide’s gain, albeit there are no certainties in football. But United should fancy themselves and can boast a respectable record at Suncorp – triumphant on seven occasions and drawing five times in 16 visits.
If the Reds can capitalise on a weakened Roar side the next couple of weeks should breed optimism among supporters that a finish in the top four is not a pipe dream, after it was only bottom of the table eight weeks ago.
Two successive home matches against Newcastle Jets and Sydney FC are extremely winnable matches, particularly the former. An away trip to Gosford follows and at the moment fails to evoke any qualms as a consequence of Central Coast’s current plight.
However, in the meantime it is a case of the clichéd adage for Adelaide: taking each match at a time.
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