After a first win in four matches last weekend, Adelaide United will be hoping to build on its improved performance when they travel to face an impervious Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.
Since an opening round defeat, the Wanderers are unbeaten in its preceding seven games and will pose a tough proposition for Carl Veart’s side.
United’s fortunes on the road have been substandard, having not won in its past six away games.
As alluded to, Adelaide snapped a three-game losing rut with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Central Coast Mariners, while Carl Robinson’s charges were held to a 2-2 draw against Wellington Phoenix.
Just three points separates the two teams on the table with Adelaide in seventh compared to Western Sydney who lie fourth.
Veart on Goodwin’s role tomorrow…
Craig is a very good professional footballer. He’s always looked after himself so he’s very fit and raring to go. It’s a difficult one at the moment whether we play him from the start or bring him off the bench. It’s a discussion we’re still having with the strength and conditioning staff.
Veart on Reds’ struggles away from home…
We haven’t performed well away from home. We just need to get off to a good start, score the first goal and hopefully that breeds confidence then we can push on and get a win.
Veart on Wanderers…
They’re a very good side. The quality that they’ve got in their attacking half of the pitch is excellent. It’s something we need to be aware of, defensively we’ll have to be really switched on and don’t give them too many opportunities.
Team news
New signings, Craig Goodwin and Josh Cavallo, have been added to the extended squad for the first time this season. Al Hassan Toure has also been promoted.
However, Ryan Kitto (knee), Ryan Strain (groin), Michael Jakobsen (calf), and Nathan Konstandopoulos (knee) are unavailable for selection with respective injuries.
Key stats powered by Opta
- Adelaide United have lost its last three A-League matches against Western Sydney Wanderers.
- 91% of Adelaide United’s 11 goals this season have come via right-footed strikers, the highest percentage of any team in the competition.
- James Delianov leads the league in saves made so far this season with 36.
Head-to-head
Played: 24
Wins: 8
Draws: 8
Losses: 8
Last five meetings
5-2 loss (A)
2-3 loss (H)
1-3 loss (H)
1-2 win (A)
2-2 draw (H)
Ones to watch
Stefan Mauk will be out to add to his two goals for the campaign. The box-to-box midfielder’s dynamism and energy will be required to break down a strong side as he tries to link the midfield with the attack. It will be crucial for the Reds skipper to find space in between the lines and provide service to the attacking trio.
Keanu Baccus is the Wanderers unsung hero in the middle of the park. He ranks equal fourth in the competition in passes attempted and leads his team in a number of defensive and offensive categories such as tackles attempted, fouls won and conceded, interceptions, assists and passes in the opposition half. Limiting his influence in midfield will certainly help disrupt the Wanderers’ rhythm as a lot of their play runs through him.
Match details:
Game date: Saturday, 27 February vs Western Sydney Wanderers
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 10
Kick-off 4.35pm ACDT
Venue: Bankwest Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports, ABC
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
