Two teams with contrasting form face off on Friday night when Adelaide United host Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium.
The Reds come into the clash desperate to halt a three-game skid and occupy eighth spot.
Adelaide conceded four second-half goals in its 4-0 loss to Macarthur FC last week, and will need an improved performance across the park.
Meanwhile, Alen Stajcic’s charges defeated 10-man Wellington Phoenix 2-0 in Wollongong and have been the surprise package of the season, sitting at the summit of the table with 18 points.
But Head Coach, Carl Veart, was embracing the challenge of facing the competition’s top team, stating there was not a better game to test themselves in the circumstances.
Veart on the approach against the Mariners…
They’ve started the season very well and they’re top of the table and at the moment we have struggled the last few weeks. So there’s no better game to get up against the top team in the league at the moment.
They’ve done exceptionally well so far this season so it’s important tomorrow night that we go out in a very positive mindset and attack them. That’s when we play our best football when we’re attacking.
Veart on Nathan Konstandopoulos’ injury…
It’s very disappointing. Nathan is probably the most professional player that we have in the Club. The way that he goes about presenting himself, so it’s devastating for him and the playing group and the Club that this has happened again.
Veart on Javi López’s return…
Javi López is in the squad for tomorrow night so looking forward to him coming in and playing well and bringing that little bit of experience in the team.
Veart on the team remaining positive…
Their belief is still very strong. We played some really good football at the start of the season. And we had that little bit of interruption and we just have to keep believing in ourselves and keep working on what we have been working on and improving. And when we have those lapses of concentration we have to make sure that we switch straight on and focus for the full 90 minutes.
Team news
Javi López returns to the extended squad as does Michael Marrone from injury, while Kusini Yengi, Pacifique Niyongabire, Domenic Costanzo and Jonny Yull have been promoted.
Nathan Konstandopoulos is unavailable after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in training. Furthermore, Ryan Strain is close to joining full training if he overcomes a fitness test but remains out for this week. Ryan Kitto (knee) has also been ruled out while Michael Jakobsen is still around two weeks away as he continues to recover from a calf complaint.
Head-to-head
Played: 47
Wins: 21
Draws: 7
Losses: 19
Last five meetings
2-0 win (H)
2-1 loss (A)
1-3 win (A)
0-1 win (A)
2-1 win (H)
Ones to watch
The battle in midfield will be a deciding factor in Friday’s contest. Louis D’Arrigo averages around 42 passes per game at a pass competition rate of 81%. The 19-year-old will need to anchor the midfield and retain possession of the ball as much as possible with Central Coast ranking third in the league for passes. D’Arrigo is also an excellent reader of the game and with 13 interceptions already this season he will need to continue to make recoveries for his team and release some of the pressure on the back four.
Daniel De Silva has been one of the Mariners’ key players this season and with two goals and as many assists, the Reds will need to contain his involvement. The 23-year-old leads the team in dribbles attempted and is a tricky customer, picking up positions on the wing or in the inside channel.
Next match details:
Game date: Friday, 19 February vs Central Coast Mariners
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 09
Kick-off 6.35pm ACDT
Gates open 5.35pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
