Gertjan Verbeek was keeping his cards close to his chest ahead of Adelaide United’s trip to face the Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
Verbeek was coy when asked about team selection, and the tactics he would employ but confirmed George Blackwood, Jordan Elsey and Louis D’Arrigo are back in the travelling the squad.
The Reds are unbeaten in their previous seven encounters with the Mariners, and have additionally recorded five straight wins in their past five trips to Gosford, dating back to February 2016.
The Dutchman said he was interested to see how both teams have progressed since the Reds recorded a 2-1 FFA Cup semi-final victory in early October.
“They didn’t have much differences in the last game we played against them in the semi-final in the cup,” he told reporters at Adelaide Airport.
“They’ve changed some players but the way they’re organised is not different.
“They seem organised and I think it will be interesting how they’ve developed in the last few games.
“And also my team because we’ve now two wins, three if you take the cup final.
“We’re in a good mood and getting stronger and stronger with more possibilities because George (Blackwood) and Jordan (Elsey) are back now so I’m looking forward to the game and see how the team is doing.”
Central Coast suffered a 3-1 loss last round to Melbourne City, while United beat Brisbane Roar 1-0.
With Al Hassan Toure away on international duty with the Olyroos, Norwegian striker, Kristian Opseth, is a huge chance to lead the line.
Although he has yet to find the net, Verbeek revealed he has been pleased with his contribution so far this season.
“I think the minutes he’s getting from me and playing in the team he’s done well,” he said.
“He’s a little bit unlucky because the moment they got interested in him, nobody heard about Toure.
“And he’s doing a good and I know for sure that Toure won’t be able to play 27 games at this level and he’s also playing for the Olympic team.
“We’ll see how it’s going, so I’m glad he’s in the squad and we’ll see how far he is.
“The last game we played against Central Coast he was also a starter.”
Adelaide United face Central Coast Mariners in Round 6 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 16 November at Central Coast Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, ABC, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
