No stranger to the Melbourne Derby, Adelaide United defender, Michael Jakobsen, is anticipating a similar hostile atmosphere ahead of Saturday night’s Original Rivalry.
The Reds face old foes Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium with just one point separating the two sides on the table.
Adelaide have won their past two matches, most recently edging Brisbane Roar 2-1 at Coopers Stadium.
Meanwhile, Victory are the competition’s in-form side having recorded four straight wins following two opening round defeats, which included last weekend’s 4-0 drubbing of Western Sydney Wanderers.
Before joining Adelaide, the Danish centre-back spent two seasons with Melbourne City and knows how heated rivalry and derby matches can get in the Hyundai A-League.
Jakobsen said playing at a high intensity will be a crucial factor in curtailing Victory’s aggressive play style.
“I think if our effort is better than theirs in intensity and in the duels, we’ll have a big advantage,” Jakobsen told reporters at Adelaide Airport.
“Always when it’s these types of rivalries it’s always very tough and people are flying in in all tackles and Melbourne are very good at that and that’s how they like to intimidate some of the other teams.
“So we need to be better than them in that aspect.”
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Jakobsen was keeping his cards close to his chest about the specific tactics they will look to implement to try and end Victory’s winning run.
The Dane is expected to start in defence alongside Jordan Elsey after missing the last two matches through injury.
“We’ve seen some videos and we’re going to see some more videos tonight and tomorrow,” he revealed.
“There are certain points that they’re really good at and we need to close them down.
“We know exactly what they’re good at and we also know their weaknesses so we need to make sure we do our job properly and close them down where they’re very good.”
The 32-year-old also said limiting Japanese star, Keisuke Honda’s, influence on proceedings is something they will have to combat too.
“Don’t let him have too much time on the ball,” he continued.
“He’s a very good player and he has experience from the highest level around the world.
“So it’s obviously a player we need to make sure that he doesn’t have too much time on the ball and make it hard for him.”
Adelaide United face Melbourne Victory in Round 7 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 8 December at Marvel Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Live on Fox Sports, and 10 Boss and streamed on the My Football Live App.
