Guillermo Amor and Tarek Elrich believe Melbourne Victory will look to pile on the pressure in tomorrow night’s Round 20 cross-border derby, but insist the Reds’ high confidence and solid momentum won’t be shaken.
When Adelaide United line up against Melbourne Victory on Friday night, the Reds will be looking to take their unbeaten streak to 12 consecutive matches.
This recent resurgence from Guillermo Amor’s men has seen them climb into third on the Hyundai A-League table – one point ahead of the fifth placed Melbourne.
However, United’s last domestic loss came at the hands of Victory, also yet to defeat their fiercest opponents in over two years.
But Amor says his players are focussed on the task at hand, believing there is enough quality throughout his squad to finally overcome Melbourne and continue their remarkable stride.
“Everyone knows Melbourne Victory are a very strong team,” Amor said. “When they are without the ball, they apply a lot of pressure on their opponents, which makes it tough.
“The first 15 or 20 minutes of the game are very important, as they can take control of the match quickly.
“Our players have prepared well and are very focussed on the things Victory will look to bring to the game. We must play with quality and character.
“Adelaide versus Victory is always a very intense fixture and is always very difficult, but our confidence is high and it is very possible that we can win.
“Victory will go in to win, but so will we.”
United defender, Tarek Elrich, followed on from his Head Coach, saying that it is not going to be an easy feat, beating Victory on their own turf, but the Reds’ recent form is of great assurance to guide them towards a win.
“It’s a massive game for us and with the good run we have had of late, it has been great to be an Adelaide United player,” Elrich said. “But in saying that, there is no bigger game like this one against Victory and with our places on the table, it doesn’t get much bigger than this.
“We are going into their territory and it’s never easy there or against their side with the quality they boast, but if we stick to our game plan and play with the confidence we know we can play with, then I don’t see why we can’t get one over them Friday night.
“We have had many draws against them and I feel that we should have one a few of those.
“We know about our past with them, but with the form we are in now, we will be going there with plenty of confidence.
“It will be a hostile environment and they have great supporters, but as for Adelaide, this means a lot to the fans and not only do we play for ourselves, and the Club, but also for them and it is well overdue for a win against our rivals.
“To get a win over them will be the icing on the cake, and make our undefeated streak extra sweet. We have been working hard on our game plan and we will stick to it as we want to come back with a good result.”
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Adelaide United will face Melbourne Victory in Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 19 February at AAMI Park. Kick-off is at 7.10pm ACDT.
