Bottom-placed Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium on Sunday desperate to record its first win, following a disastrous start to the season.
Adelaide come into the match devoid of confidence with just two points and remain winless in the opening six rounds and compounded by four straight defeats. Tactically, beleaguered boss Guillermo Amor has been unable to find the right balance in his squad.
Despite showing signs of improvement from an attacking perspective in the losses to Melbourne City and Wellington Phoenix, the Reds’ defence has been conspicuously open which could be attributed to the lack of protection and swift ability to close opposition players down in midfield. The glaring deficiencies in the team has resulted in the unenviable statistic of being the first inaugural A-League club to concede a minimum of three goals in four successive games.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have surprised many this season with their resolute defensive performances. Since coach Scott Miller’s appointment over the offseason, the Jets’ transformation from virtually a laughing stock to an extremely competitive outfit is testament to the young manager’s qualities. However, they were largely outplayed against a 10-man Central Coast in the F3 Derby last week, but were agonisingly denied the three points in stoppage time courtesy of a Matt Sim equaliser. Nevertheless, the Jets will head into the clash as favourites given Adelaide’s woeful form and are situated in fifth spot on the ladder with 10 points.
Key Battle – Sergio Cirio vs David Carney
The outcome of the match could depend on the form of these two players. Cirio is beginning to show glimpses that he is slowly returning to his best judging by his performance against the Phoenix. Conversely, Carney provides the key for the traveling side after proving many doubters wrong – that he was past his best – with his inspired start to the campaign. His influence on matches is one of the main reasons why the Jets have captured the imagination this season, boasting three assists and two goals in only six games. Whichever player is allowed more space and freedom in wide areas when in possession of the ball will likely determine who comes up trumps.
Team News
In some positive news for Amor, he has the luxury of welcoming club captain and goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic back into the starting XI following knee surgery. The 34-year-old had a successful week on the training ground and will replace young goalkeeper John Hall. Iacopo La Rocca and Eli Babalj (both with foot injuries) will remain sidelined for another one and two weeks respectively.
As for Miller, striker Milos Trifunovic will spearhead the attack and look to add to his four league goals. Ben Kantarovski returns after missing last week’s match with a quad injury and playmaker Leonardo is also available since recovering from a dangerous tackle which forced him off the field against the Mariners. Defender Daniel Mullen is still omitted as he battles with a knee complaint.
Head-to-Head
The pair have encountered on 31 occasions with Adelaide having the edge over their counterparts with 13 victories to the Jets’ 10, leaving eight draws. Incidentally, the visitors have only triumphed on three separate occasions at Coopers Stadium, their last in November 2013.
Previous Meeting
The Reds secured a 1-0 away victory over Newcastle thanks to a Marcelo Carrusca first half goal in the duo’s most recent outing. However, the last time the Jets visited the city of churches they were annihilated 7-0 by a rampant Adelaide lineup.
Prediction
Expect a tight affair between these two teams as Adelaide will make a concerted effort to plug the leakage of goals yielded in the previous four matches. Meanwhile, Newcastle, who are known for their defensive stability, will try to expose the Reds by initially absorbing pressure before trying to counter-attack with purpose. The hosts may have to be a little more direct going forward if they are to break down the Jets, although due to Amor’s perceived reluctance in altering his modus operandi – which has so far been fruitless – another fateful result seems inevitable.
Adelaide United 1 Newcastle Jets 2
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
