After meeting just over a fortnight ago, Adelaide United will be seeking revenge against Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Adelaide lost that match 5-3 with the score flattering the visitors after netting two consolation goals late on.
The Reds responded with a 1-0 Original Rivalry win before another disappointing away performance, falling 3-1 to Brisbane Roar and highlighting its inconsistent start to the season.
It is a concern for Carl Veart’s charges, but the only thing they can control is to put in strong shift tomorrow night and then try and consolidate on the road the following week.
United boasts a perfect record at home so far this campaign and has not conceded, but if recent form is anything to go by between these two teams, a high-scoring contest is certainly likely.
Perth come into the match with an impressive 3-1 victory at Melbourne City and have taken all three points in their previous two visits to South Australia.
Veart on Juric and López’s return…
Tomi and Javi have come back into the squad and they will take part in tomorrow’s game, so really looking forward to having them back in and bringing that experience that we were missing last week.
Veart on finding balance with young and experienced players…
I think at home we haven’t had any problems with that. I think the supporters really help our younger players lift at home and the away games we’ve struggled. So we need to find that little bit better balance to provide that bit more experience on the pitch to help those young players in those away games.
Veart on learnings from the last meeting against Perth…
After that performance, we had a good look at that performance and it wasn’t acceptable the way that we defended and the way that we played with the ball. That was our biggest concern, what we did when we had the ball. So we’ve had a good look at that and this week we worked again just on our structures and what we want to happen in the game. In that game we gave Perth too much time and space on the ball, and we’ve worked on that and we’ve really worked on ourselves – what we need to do with the ball because even that day we just didn’t do the things that we normally do.
Veart on Perth’s strengths…
Perth have got a very good squad. They’ve got a lot of quality, experienced players with a sprinkling of a couple of youngsters in their team. But they’ve got a very experienced team, a very good team and they’ve had some excellent results so far. So I think it’s going to be a very entertaining game and I’m really looking forward to it.
Team news
Carl Veart confirmed Tomi Juric will start tomorrow’s match while Javi López will return to the bench after the pair missed last week. Pacifique Niyongabire and George Timotheou have also been promoted.
However, Ryan Kitto has been ruled out after sustaining a knock to his knee against the Roar. Ryan Strain remains on the sidelines nursing a groin injury.
Key stats powered by Opta
- There have been 25 goals scored across the last four A-League meetings between Adelaide United and Perth Glory.
- Adelaide United have not played out a draw at Coopers Stadium since a stalemate with Wellington Phoenix in January 2019.
- Jordan Elsey has made 31 successful long passes this season, the most of any outfield player.
Head-to-head
Played: 46
Wins: 19
Draws: 11
Losses: 16
Last five meetings
5-3 loss (A)
5-3 win (H)
3-0 loss (A)
3-3 draw (aet) (A)
0-2 loss (H)
Ones to watch
Stefan Mauk’s industry and dynamism will be key for Adelaide. It is something they have missed during his absence and the Reds are at their best when he is in the midfield breaking the lines and driving forward and linking the midfield with the attack. The 25-year-old skipper has already scored one goal this season and being available from the first whistle will be a huge addition.
Bruno Fornaroli remains the key for the Glory with Diego Castro still clicking into gear. The Uruguayan scored against the Reds two weeks ago and has three goals for the campaign. His knack of losing defenders in the box is one of his strengths as well as possessing the ability to create something out of nothing for himself and his teammates.
Match details:
Game date: Friday, 5 February vs Perth Glory
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 07
Kick-off 6.35pm ACDT
Gates open 5.00pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
