A-League Preview: Adelaide United - Brisbane Roar

Battling Away

Adelaide enter into this clash with a growing reputation as one of the competition’s most formulaic sides this season, relying on a rigid system that at times frustrates their more illustrious opponents.

It is a tactic that is a calculated by necessary gamble by Aurelio Vidmar after a gruelling season that saw his team compete for both Asian and Australia glory, one from which they have never fully recovered mentally or physically.

Yet they retain a propensity for producing performances of true character, of which they have had plenty under Vidmar; all of which they will need as they battle to secure for themselves finals football this season.

Waiting For Ignition

Limitless potential both in their youth ranks and amongst their more experienced players, Brisbane really should be challenging for the A-League title.

Yet the acrimonious circumstnaces of Frank Farina’s departure and the difficulties they have encountered off the pitch in the way of low crowds have both combined to derail the Roar’s season.

In comes Ange Postecoglou, the man who was famously ridiculed by analyst Craig Foster on national television following an unsatisfactory spell as manager of the national youth teams, to steady the ship.

His record at club level, where he has won National Soccer League titles with South Melbourne, is far more impressive but this is a totally new ball game for a man who only a few weeks ago was a working as a television pundit.

FORM GUIDE

Adelaide United

Oct 5.  Adelaide United 1-1 Newcastle Jets
Oct 9.  Perth Glory 1-0 Adelaide United
Oct 16.  Adelaide United 2-1 Sydney FC
Oct 24.  Melbourne Victory 3-1 Adelaide United
Oct 31.  Central Coast Mariners 1-1 Adelaide United

Brisbane Roar

Oct 3.  Melbourne Victory 2-1 Brisbane Roar
Oct 11.  Brisbane Roar 0-1 Gold Coast United
Oct 17.  Brisbane Roar 0-3 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 25.  Sydney FC 2-1 Brisbane Roar
Oct 30.  Brisbane Roar 1-1 Newcastle Jets

TEAM NEWS

Adelaide United

In: Daniel Mullen (promoted), Inseob Shin (promoted), Cassio (returns from injury)
Out: Mathew Leckie (hamstring – 2 weeks)

Possible Line-up: (4-5-1) Galekovic, Cornthwaite, Fyfe, Rudan, Jamieson, Dodd, Hughes, Sarkies, Barbiero, Pantelis, Cristiano

Brisbane Roar

In: Reinaldo (returns from injury), Bob Malcolm (promoted)
Out: Tommy Oar (international duty)

Possible Line-up: (4-3-3) McMaster, Packer, Malcolm, Moore, DeVere, Tiatto, McKay, Nichols, Van Dijk, Reinaldo

KEY PLAYERS

Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United) – The reigning goalkeeper of the year has been in outstanding form for the Reds this season again, routinely winning them matches with his agility and sharp reflexes.

Sergio Van Dijk (Brisbane Roar) – Pieces it all together in attack for the Roar with his sublime hold-up play and potentially lethal finishing. The complete forward.

PREDICTION

Brisbane might find it difficult to break down a physical and rigid Adelaide outfit and are yet to fully gel under Postecoglou. They look shaky at the back.

Adelaide United 2-0 Brisbane Roar

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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