Adelaide United will look to ride the momentum from its strong midweek performance over Macarthur FC against title holders Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
The Reds climbed into second spot on the A-League table after a 3-1 win over Macarthur FC and know three points against the Sky Blues will consolidate their place in the top two.
Adelaide was at its fluent best in the attacking third during the week and for the first time this season the front three comprising of Ben Halloran, Tomi Juric, and Craig Goodwin all etched their names on the scoresheet in the same game.
Carl Veart’s side snapped a run of 12 match winless run against Sydney less than a month ago following its 1-0 victory in the pair’s most recent meeting.
Steve Corica’s troops, who sit fourth and trail United by three points, were denied a triumph against Melbourne City last weekend thanks to conceding a last-gasp stoppage time penalty.
Veart on Sydney FC…
This game is a very important one for us because as I said Sydney are last year’s champions, they’re sort of the yardstick of the competition and we want to play against the best teams as a player and the playing group are really looking forward to playing Sydney tomorrow.
Veart on his team’s form and aim for rest of the season…
I think it’s important that the playing group has put in some excellent performances over the last two months and tomorrow is no different. We have to put in a great performance and we have to work hard and come away with the three points – that’s what we’re here for now. We want to go the rest of the season undefeated and it’s a good test for us tomorrow.
Veart on D’Arrigo’s return to the squad…
Louis has shown all season how consistent he is and how much pressure he puts on the ball and his quality and his positional play when we have the ball. Louis has had a great season and Joe Caletti the other night when he came in for him was excellent as well. That’s a decision I’ll have to make to see which one of those two start but it’s excellent to have that competition for positions.
Veart on Cavallo’s impressive form…
Josh has been outstanding since he’s come here. He’s a great kid and he’s fitted in really well with the playing group and his performances have got better every week. That’s what happens when you give young players an opportunity, they get their confidence and then they can really show you what they can do. Josh has done that and he’s been outstanding. I couldn’t ask for anything more from Josh he’s been outstanding.
Team news
Louis D’Arrigo returns to the squad after serving a one-game ban, while Yaya Dukuly has been promoted.
However, Kusini Yengi will miss the clash, still ruled out with a hamstring complaint but is expected to back for next weekend’s match against Wellington Phoenix. To view the extended squad please click here.
Head-to-head
Played: 49
Wins: 18
Draws: 10
Losses: 21
Last five meetings
1-0 win (H)
1-1 draw (H)
2-1 loss (A)
2-3 loss (H)
2-0 loss (A)
Key stats powered by Opta
- The Reds will be aiming for back-to-back wins against Sydney FC for the first time since April 2015.
- Sydney FC has lost only one of its last seven A-League home games, despite leading at half-time on the day only twice in that span.
- Joe Gauci boasts a save percentage of 78% on shots taken from inside the box this A-League campaign, the highest of any goalkeeper in the competition.
Ones to watch
Craig Goodwin was brilliant in United’s last outing against Macarthur, recording a goal and an assist. It was another top-shelf performance for the Socceroos winger. The 29-year-old scored the decisive spot-kick when these two sides last met and his influence in the attacking third will again be imperative.
Kosta Barbarouses is set to play his 250th A-League game and has been in form the past couple of weeks, scoring a goal in each of his last three games. Blocking the space for him to run into will be important for the Reds, given how potent he can be with his speed.
Next match details:
Sunday, 18 April vs Sydney FC
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 17
Kick-off 3.35pm ACST
Venue: Leichhardt Oval
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
