Adelaide United completed their comeback last weekend as they rose to the top of the A-League ladder. Now, they have to keep it when they face a hot and cold Melbourne City side.
Tarek Elrich ruled out
This week, Adelaide’s title hopes took a hit with Tarek Elrich ruled out for a month through a groin injury. With the side fronting up against City’s rampant attack, who themselves are coming off a 3-0 win over the league’s best defence, the absence of Elrich could certainly prove problematic. Not only does the 29-year-old hold the team’s second-best win percentage in duels and tackles, but also defines its back line, featuring in 20 of its 22 matches. Meanwhile, his ability to transition has been a key feature of Adelaide’s counter-attack, boosting the balanced approach that has got them into first place.
POPULAR ARTICLES
A-League – Match Preview – Adelaide United vs Melbourne City
Ninety-minute war set for Coopers Stadium
Melbourne City meeting “just a normal game” for moved-on Mauk
Harry Novillo’s return against Sydney
After a club-imposed suspension for off-field indiscretions, Harry Novillo returned to the fray last weekend and proved just how vital he is to a successful Melbourne City. The pacey Frenchman helped end Bruno Fornaroli’s goal ‘slump’ exhibiting a brilliant understanding with the Uruguayan and troubling the Sky Blues with his width and ability to move into threatening positions without being noticed. Facing an Adelaide side that has got flexibility and balance sorted, the benefit of a creative, clever and strong winger cannot be understated, and given his performance against Sydney, Novillo looks hungry to prove he is the best the League has.
Can City stop Adelaide in their tracks?
The timing of Adelaide’s Elrich blow and Novillo’s return to the fray does not favour the home side. With Elrich most commonly plying his trade on the left-hand side of the Reds’ defence, his replacement will not only have big shoes to fill, but may well face up directly against Novillo, who has made himself at home in City’s attack. While historically Adelaide have dominated this fixture, and enter the match chasing an incredible seventh consecutive win (a feat they have not reached since 2006), both Novillo and Elrich create a significant advantage for the visitors, even with their poor travelling form in mind.
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.
