Two of the most entertaining teams in the competition meet in a do-or-die elimination final as Adelaide United host the Brisbane Roar at the historic Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
Form
Adelaide United finished in third position this season, earning a home final – even though it will be played at Adelaide Oval. The FFA Cup winners head into the knockout match having won three of their past five outings, although they were defeated 3-2 by Brisbane three weeks ago. Josep Gombau’s men won 14 of their 27 matches to finish on 46 points, with 22 of those coming against the other five teams in the top six.
The Reds eliminated Frans Thijssen’s men from the FFA Cup and an own goal from James Donachie earned Adelaide a win over Brisbane in round one, but the Roar have won the past two meetings this season.
Key Player – Marcelo Carrusca
For the past couple of seasons Marcelo Carrusca has impressed many with his style of play which at its peak, can leave his defender befuddled. The Argentinian has missed the past month with a quad injury and the Reds have struggled in his absence, losing ground on the minor premiership after suffering two consecutive losses before turning on the charm to defeat Melbourne City 4-1.
The attacking-midfielder said he could have played last week but is now ready and raring to go against the Roar. The Reds have loss four matches in the eight Carrusca has missed this season, showing his influence on the team.
His passing, attacking instincts and creativity is part of the reason he is rated one of the best players in the league. The scary thought about last week’s big win over City is that the Adelaide No.10 was not a part of that team.
Achievements
Premiers’ Plate – 2005-06
Grand finalists – 2007, 2009
FFA Cup – 2014
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Prediction
The South Australian side have proved that they are capable of going all the way this season, last week was an example of that. Sergio Cirio is one of the best dribblers in the league and is always a threat around the 18-yard-box and there is quality all over the park. If anyone can upset the top two it is Adelaide. Despite this, the Reds have been a bit hot and cold this season and unable to back up the superb performance from the week before. If that pattern continues they could be in a bit of trouble this week.
Adelaide have not defeated Brisbane at home since February 2010 but with Brisbane only slipping into the finals because of Perth’s salary cap breaches, expect the inaugural Premiers’ Plate winners to break the duck and progress to the preliminary final, despite the absences of Bruce Djite and Michael Marrone.
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