A-League Preview: Adelaide United - Gold Coast United

Viddie's embattled troops take on the might of the Coast.

Nov 19, 2009 8:05:51 AM

More On :  Adelaide United vs Gold Coast United
Jason Culina And Miron Bleiberg, Gold Coast United (Getty Images)
Friday, 20 November, 20:00 AEDT
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
A-League, Round 15

Red Alert

One might have been forgiven for thinking this season couldn’t get much more difficult for the Reds – but it might just have.

Aurelio Vidmar’s most recent comments in the press – a rather tasteless slur about Saudi Arabia – are sure to bring unwanted attention to an already embattled side.
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Sitting in eighth position on the ladder, they officially have the league’s worst attack, with only 12 goals in 14 games.

It is a statistic that goes a long way to explaining their current malaise.

Back On Track

There have been steps in the right direction both on and off the pitch at the Gold Coast, where a 1-0 win over Sydney FC and the lifting of a crowd cap should star to heal fractured relationships with fans and the local community.

Brazilian midfielder Robson’s drink driving charge won’t help matters though, as Bleiberg looks to bring back the swagger that characterized United’s early season.

They’re back around the top of the league table and most encouraging was the performance of captain Jason Culina last time out.

He provided the sort of drive and attacking endeavour that has been absent from his game since his arrival at the club and will need to display plenty more of it if United are to keep up their title challenge.

TEAM NEWS

Adelaide United

In: Mathew Leckie (returns from injury), Iain Fyfe (returns from illness), Mark Birighitti (gk) (returns from international duty)
Out: Daniel Godley (gk) (ends short term)

Possible Starting XI: (4-4-1-1) Galekovic, Cornthwaite, Fyfe, Rudan, Jamieson, Cassio, Sarkies, Hughes, Dodd, Leckie, Cristiano

Gold Coast United

In: Jess Vanstrattan (gk) (returns from back injury), James Brown (promoted), Golgol Mebrahtu (promoted), Zac Anderson (promoted).
Out: Steve Pantelidis (suspended – 2 weeks), Jerrad Tyson (gk) (not selected)

Possible Starting XI: (4-4-2) Higgins, Rees, Thwaite, Van den Brink, Anderson, Minniecon, Culina, Caravella, Fitzsimmons, Porter, Smeltz

FORM GUIDE

Adelaide United

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
Nov 6.  Adelaide United 0-2 Brisbane Roar

Gold Coast United

Oct 11.  Brisbane Roar 0-1 Gold Coast United
Oct 18.  Gold Coast United 2-1 Perth Glory
Oct 25.  Wellington Phoenix 6-0 Gold Coast United
Oct 31.  Gold Coast United 0-2 North Queensland Fury
Nov 7.  Gold Coast United 1-0 Sydney FC

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cassio (Adelaide United) – The Reds have missed the Brazilian’s creative spark whenever he hasn’t played this season. Isn’t afraid to run at defenders and could be crucial to solving their goal-scoring woes with his ability to create chances.

Jason Culina (Gold Coast United) – United look a different team when Culina is at his attacking best. Needs to operate more in the final third of the pitch if they are to carry an attacking threat, as they lose momentum when he drops deep to pick up the ball from his own defenders. The attacking pivot on which they are built.

PREDICTION

Adelaide look no more assured at the back than they have in attack this season, so I’m expecting United to take this.

Adelaide United 0-2 Gold Coast United

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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