Ben Warland insists an undermanned Adelaide United will be aiming for the three points against Perth Glory on Saturday night and discussed how he is relishing playing regularly.
The Reds suffered their first competitive loss of the season against Melbourne City last weekend and will be hopeful of returning to winning ways at nib Stadium, despite a depleted line-up.
Marco Kurz’s men currently lie in fifth place on the Hyundai A-League table with five points from the opening four rounds.
Meanwhile, Perth have collected four points and endured a 2-0 away defeat to Sydney FC last Friday night.
With United missing six experienced first-team regulars for the clash, Warland was adamant the side will not be intimidated by Perth.
“We are not fazed at all,” he said. “We have had a decent start to the season and we know our capabilities.
“And I think everyone is confident that we can get a good result.
“The next game after a loss is always difficult, but we are ready to go… The boys are raring to go and get the three points.”
Incidentally, Adelaide have won two of their previous five encounters over Kenny Lowe’s team, but have not tasted success in the West since January 2016, courtesy of a 3-1 win.
Warland has amassed eight appearances across all competitions since making his debut for the Club in April 2015.
However, with injuries to Taylor Regan and Ersan Gülüm, the centre-back is hoping to capitalise and string a succession of matches together.
“Obviously there’s been a few injuries to a few key players,” he said.
“But look that’s given me an opportunity and I’m hoping to take it with both hands and get a good run of games in.
“… I’ve been here four years now and haven’t really had a good run of games, so it’s a bit of a shock to the system you could say, but I’m enjoying it.”
The 21-year-old has never played in back-to-back Hyundai A-League games, but Warland admitted he is growing in confidence.
He has so far impressed in his two matches this season, first in the Westfield FFA Cup against Western Sydney Wanderers and then versus City in the league.
“Definitely the confidence is growing every game,” he added.
“I haven’t played too many (matches) as of yet but hoping to get a good run… But confidence is growing every day and even at training as well.
“Getting the game time helps me in training so I’m enjoying it and hope it keeps going.”
Team news
Aforementioned, the Reds will again be weakened for the second consecutive week. Centre-backs Taylor Regan (knee) and Ersan Gülüm (punctured lung) remain on the sidelines.
Vince Lia and Johan Absalonsen are also both absent with respective knee and thigh injuries, while Baba Diawara misses the clash – nursing a niggling hamstring. Defender, Tarek Elrich, continues his recovery from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Last five meetings
1-1 draw @ Coopers Stadium
0-5 loss @ Coopers Stadium
3-1 loss @ nib Stadium
1-3 win @ nib Stadium
1-0 win @ Coopers Stadium
Adelaide United will face Perth Glory in Round 5 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 4 November at nib Stadium. Kick-off is at 9.30pm ACDT.
