Adelaide United host Western United at Coopers Stadium on Saturday in what is anticipated to be another open and free-flowing game based on the pair’s previous encounter.
Adelaide prevailed in a 4-3 thriller over Western on Australia Day, and while Gertjan Verbeek wants to see the same attacking endeavour, he hopes his side are much tighter defensively.
The Reds have endured back-to-back defeats against Western Sydney Wanderers and will be desperately after a complete performance.
Meanwhile, Mark Rudan’s team ended a four-game winless streak last weekend with a 6-2 demolition of Central Coast Mariners.
“When there’s an opponent who wants to win and also play attacking football, then it will be an open game with a lot of chances I hope for one team,” Verbeek told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
“But I’m not sure because we work hard for the defence as a team, and we are still searching a little bit what fits the best for this team.
“But also a little bit it depends on the players you have because now I have different players than last week.
“So you can also make some decisions about the how they defend and how they attack and yesterday in our last tactical training (session) it went very well, but you don’t have a guarantee that will work tomorrow.”
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Verbeek confirmed Ben Halloran, Ryan Strain, and Stefan Mauk will be included in the matchday squad, but was coy on whether they would start.
“(Stefan and Ryan) trained the whole week, last week also the last training before the game against Victory they already trained with the team,” he said.
“And this whole week they finished and made a good impression so they are all selected.”
The Dutchman also spoke about Halloran, signing a new two-year contract with the Reds.
“It’s good for the Club, Ben is a good player and started all the games,” he said about the 27-year-old, who has netted 10 goals in 21 games across all competitions.
“In the last few weeks he was in a good shape, scored a lot of goals and with his speed he’s one of our better players.
“He’s also now an experienced player, so he has to become now one of the leaders of the team.”
Adelaide United host Western United in Round 22 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 7 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 1.00pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App.
