Taylor Regan is confident that if Adelaide United maintain consistency in their game they will come away with the three points against Newcastle Jets at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday.
Regan, who has been named in the travelling squad for the first time since Round 1, was bullish about the Reds’ chances of being triumphant.
The defender has missed the past nine weeks with an ankle injury and is in line to make his second appearance of the season in his hometown and against his former team.
“I’ve been training with the team fully for about eight to ten days now,” Regan said at Adelaide Airport.
“Ahead of schedule and probably could have got some minutes with the Youth Team last week.
“But the coach decided it was best not to risk it because I’m ahead of schedule.
“Now the attention turns to Newcastle and of course it’s my hometown and my old club and always passionate about the place.
“But it’s just another game at the end of the day and we are on a bit of a roll and hopefully we can maintain that.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5679780755001
Regan said scoring an early goal will hopefully ruffle the Jets’ feathers and help take the crowd out of the game.
“If we can get an early goal, I think we can put them off,” he said.
“Like I said they’ve been in a bit of form lately but we are confident – what we did against Sydney FC both in the Cup and at home, okay we didn’t get the results.
“But we showed if we are not one of the top teams then who is.
“Against Melbourne Victory, the character we showed, Newcastle would be worried I got no doubt about that.
“But they’re an experienced team and we are respectful of them, but we are going there for three points.”
Adelaide suffered a 2-1 home loss in their last meeting against Newcastle back in Round 6, after taking the lead and dominating the opening 35 minutes.
The 29-year-old suggested if they can replicate their strong start for the entire match they should taste success.
“The first thirty minutes … was probably the best we have played all season arguably,” he said.
“And speaking with some of their boys after the game, they were like wow.
“And we had six first-team players out that game, so like I said it’s about being consistent as well and lately we are starting to get that consistency.
“So it’s exciting and if we can put together ninety minutes tomorrow I think we come home with three points.”
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5679824701001
Last weekend, Ernie Merrick’s men scored two late goals to overcome Perth Glory 2-1 in the West.
Regan also warned restricting the involvement of Dimitri Petratos will be crucial if United is to prevail.
The forward – who has three assists and four goals this campaign – was named the PFA Hyundai A-League Player of the Month for November.
“Petratos has been brilliant, he just got voted by his peers and by the players as the best player in the month of November,” he said.
“So he is the form player for Newcastle.”
Team news
Ben Garuccio and Daniel Adlung are both suspended following dismissals against Melbourne last weekend. Meanwhile, Johan Absalonsen (thigh) and Tarek Elrich (knee) remain unavailable with respective injuries.
Last five meetings
1-2 loss @ Coopers Stadium
1-0 win @ Coopers Stadium
2-1 loss @ McDonald Jones Stadium
1-1 draw @ McDonald Jones Stadium
1-0 win @ Coopers Stadium
Adelaide United will face Newcastle Jets in Round 11 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 16 December at McDonald Jones Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACDT.
