Ahead of Friday night’s do or die battle between Adelaide United and Melbourne City, we select our best XI between the two sides.
Did we miss anyone?
Eugene Galekovic – Goalkeeper – Adelaide United
The Adelaide skipper edges out Thomas Sorensen thanks to his importance to his side – this we can see in the opening weeks of the season when Adelaide sat bottom of the table after eight games. His leadership in guiding the back four has helped United finish the season with the minor premiership and will be key against City.
Michael Marrone – Right-back – Adelaide United
Yet another Red who has enjoyed a better second half of the season once his side began to find form. Marrone has been a major positive at both ends of the pitch for Adelaide this season as he continues to put in consistent performances.
Dylan McGowan – Centre-back – Adelaide United
A mainstay in the Reds back four this season, McGowan produced arguably the best season of his career. The 24-year-old has been a consistent performer whether it be at full-back or, for the most part, in the heart of defence. He and Iacopo La Rocca’s partnership will be key to any hopes Adelaide have of securing a maiden A-League title.
Patrick Kisnorbo – Centre-back – Melbourne City
Edges out his team mate Alex Wilkinson for a spot in the XI following a massive performance in the elimination final against Perth Glory. The veteran defender is leading from the front when his side needs it most and this is a good sign of any captain. The former Leeds United defender’s physical presence will be key when he goes head to head with Bruce Djite.
Craig Goodwin – Left-back – Adelaide United
Goodwin has been Adelaide’s ‘Mr Fix It’ in recent weeks following left-back regular Tarek Elrich’s injury. The former City player has continued his good form in the defensive half of the pitch for the Reds while showing his attacking prowess with dangerous, overlapping runs.
Stefan Mauk – Central-midfield – Adelaide United
Since moving to the Reds from Melbourne City in a swap deal that sent Osama Malik the other way, Mauk has not missed a beat. The Olyroo has continued to improve in the back half of the season, producing a number of eye-catching performances. He was the centre of attention when the sides clashed two weeks ago, and the match is sure to have plenty of feeling about it.
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Osama Malik – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
The 25-year-old was bought in to add more defensive resolve to a frail Melbourne City lineup and that is exactly what Malik has done. Often found protecting the back four, the former Red has used his physical presence to allow the likes of Aaron Mooy and Anthony Caceres to push more freely forward. His height makes him a constant threat from set pieces.
Marcelo Carrusca – Central-midfield – Adelaide United
The Argentine is the creative genius for his side and the impact he has on the game may well go onto to determine which team will earn a place in the grand final. Carrusca has a wonderful ability to dribble with the ball at his feet as well as making mazy runs that can pick apart any opposition defence.
Aaron Mooy – Central-midfield – Melbourne City
Arguably the best player in the A-League this season, Mooy has continued his superb form over recent weeks. The Socceroo has continued to show that he can not only create goals for others but is aware of where the back of the net is. In what could be his last game for City, Mooy will be hoping he can finish on the right note and advance for a shot at the title.
Bruce Djite – Striker – Adelaide United
Djite has found himself in a purple patch in recent weeks as Adelaide surged towards the minor premiership. The 29-year-old, who is now the club’s record goalscorer, will be a handful for the Melbourne City defence considering his rich vein of form. The battle of the strikers could hold the key to this match.
Bruno Fornaroli – Striker – Melbourne City
The Golden Boot winner has enjoyed a special season and it continued with a brace against Perth, leading his side to victory. Fornaroli just keeps impressing fans with what he is able to do when he is given the chance, shown by that bicycle kick goal last weekend. With his tail up he may be the man to lead Melbourne City to their first A-League grand final.
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