Adelaide United entertain fellow A-League finalists Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night in the final round of the regular season.
It has been a frustrating past two weeks for Adelaide boss Josep Gombau with consecutive defeats against Brisbane Roar and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively. The recent form slump has had damaging consequences on United’s title aspirations with last weekend’s loss to the Wanderers all but ending any chance of a top two finish. The highest the Reds can now finish is third, but will have to rely on the already guaranteed second-placed Sydney FC to defeat the Wellington Phoenix the following day if they manage to overcome Melbourne City. If one of these permutations does not transpire then the pair will face each other in an elimination final. As a result, Gombau will no doubt be desperate for a response from his players against City heading into the finals.
The encounter against Melbourne will be the third league meeting between the pair this campaign with both teams sharing a win each. Adelaide was triumphant back in October with a 2-1 come-from-behind victory. However, the previous clash entailed a 3-1 success to City after the hosts stunned United with three second-half goals. The Reds currently lie in fourth place in the A-League standings, on 43 points.
Meanwhile, Melbourne City have also secured qualification to the A-League playoffs with John van’t Schip’s men reaching the finals for the second time since the club’s inception. After embarking on a five-game unbeaten run, van’t Schip’s team succumbed to a 3-1 setback to a despondent Perth Glory outfit and would be eager to put that result to bed when the pair meets on Saturday. City have recorded nine triumphs and eight stalemates and are situated in fifth place with 35 points.
Key Battle – Sergio Cirio vs Harry Novillo
These two players will have crucial roles in determining the outcome of a potentially intriguing meeting. Adelaide United’s Cirio has been in scintillating form of late and was fittingly rewarded with a superb strike in the loss to Western Sydney. Likewise, Harry Novillo has caused opposing defences some concerns and has netted two goals since moving to Australia’s premier football league as an injury replacement for Damien Duff. A former product of Olympique Lyon’s esteemed youth academy, the 23-year-old is looking to get his career back on track after failing to make an impression with the French giants.
Team News
Josep Gombau could make a number of personnel changes to his team from last Saturday’s loss. However, Nigel Boogaard will be a forced change following his red card against Western Sydney. Dylan McGowan looks most likely to fill Boogaard’s void. Marcelo Carrusca could make a welcomed return to the starting lineup with the Argentine reportedly overcoming any fitness concerns. Awer Mabil is also a possibility of featuring, despite sustaining a quad injury three weeks ago.
Adelaide United Expected Starting XI (4-3-3): Galekovic (GK); Elrich, McGowan, Malik, Goodwin; Isaias, Jeggo, Carrusca; Sanchez, Djite, Cirio.
van’t Schip could ring the changes for the match in order to ensure his players are rested and fresh for the elimination final. But the Dutchman will also be aware of the fact that continuity is key for preparation and may start his best eleven. Kew Jaliens will be available after serving a one-match suspension against the Glory. Nevertheless, Rob Wielaert and Damien Duff remain omitted with respective ankle complaints, while ex-Red Jacob Melling was this week ruled out for the remainder of the season.
Melbourne City Expected Starting XI (4-3-3): Velaphi (GK); Jaliens, Kisnorbo, Chapman, Clisby; Germano, Paartalu, Mooy; Williams, Novillo, Koren.
Head-to-head
Adelaide and City have met on 14 occasions with the Reds being the dominant side in this fixture with six wins to the visitors’ three, leaving five draws. However, incidentally, the hosts are undefeated in its preceding five home matches to City, after suffering its inaugural loss to the Victorian outfit in 2010.
Prediction
With both sides anticipated to face each other in the playoffs, it could have significant connotations on the game and could be portrayed as the prelude before both sides do battle in the finals. Expect Adelaide to take a cautious approach, as it will be extremely conscious about keeping it tight in defence, given the recent leaking of goals. The Reds will be optimistic Carrusca can return to the side after an injury lay-off, and, should he feature, his presence will certainly be influential. As for Melbourne City, they essentially have little to play for other than beginning to prepare for the finals since the bankrolled club have assured fifth spot for the season.
Adelaide United 1 Melbourne City 0
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