Craig Goodwin knows that Adelaide United’s semi-final blockbuster against Sydney FC will be a massive test in the club’s ultimate goal of reaching the Hyundai A-League grand final.
The club has not lost against Sydney FC this season, but Goodwin says that their encounter in the finals will be a completely different affair.
“This Saturday will be a very different game to ant of our other games against Sydney FC this season, and it will be different again to the Brisbane game,” Goodwin concedes.
“I can’t really say why we have such a good record against them, but I do hope that we can put in another good performance and continue that record.
“Form really goes out the window in these finals games, it all comes down to who can turn up on the day and do the job – we know that one mistake can cost you everything.”
If Adelaide United defeats Sydney FC this weekend, they have the chance of hosting their first home grand final – if Melbourne Victory fail to win in their derby against cross-town rivals Melbourne City.
Goodwin knows just how exciting that would be for the city of Adelaide and Reds fans alike if the results were to go their way.
“We’ll be barracking for City, because the chance of hosting a grand final would be amazing for the club and for the city of Adelaide,” he says.
“At the same time, a grand final match against Melbourne Victory would be fantastic.”
But the club first has to defeat a strong Sydney FC side looking for redemption, and Goodwin will be weary of their strong attacking presence.
“They have become very clinical since the start of the season and are a strong side under their coach Graham Arnold,” he says.
“They have very good players up front in (Marc) Janko, (Alex) Brosque and (Bernie) Ibini, who are all in good form, so I think we have to focus on ourselves and nullify their affect on the game.
“In terms of our own players, Bruce (Djite) should be ready to play, and it was good for Chelo (Marcelo Carrusca) to play 60 minutes against Brisbane so he should be ready to feature again.”
Goodwin noted that the number of minutes these players will play would be up to them individually, as well as the decisions of the coaching and medical staffs.
In terms of United’s plan of attack against the Sky Blue, Goodwin hinted that they would be looking at holding the ball a little better and transitioning quickly.
“It’s up to the coach obviously what formation he wants us to play and what tactics he feels will get us over the line,” he says.
“They play a different style to the Roar and I think we will be successful if we can keep that first pass and attack from there.”
