Coach Josep Gombau is faced with a number of positive selection headaches for Saturday night’s game against Melbourne Victory.
Coach Josep Gombau is faced with a number of positive selection headaches for Saturday night-s game against Melbourne Victory.
Gombau has a number of players returning and pushing for selection as the Reds look to try and record their first win over the Victory at Etihad Stadium since 2006.
Arguably the most fascinating dilemma the Reds boss faces is what he does at left back with Michael Zullo returning from the Socceroos itching for game time after missing out against Costa Rica during the week, while Cassio was impressive in his first start of the season, getting through the full 90 minutes last weekend against Perth Glory.
The Reds also have Nigel Boogaard and Cameron Watson available from suspension, while striker Bruce Djite, who was a late withdrawal from the trip to Perth with hamstring tightness, has trained with no discomfort so far this week.
With only Daniel Bowles and Paul Izzo on the injury list, competition for places is alive and well within the squad, which is just the way Gombau wants it going into a massive game against the Reds- biggest rivals.
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United FC
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Kick-off: 7:45pm local (7:15pm ACDT)
Referee: Ben Williams
TV: Live and exclusive broadcast on FOX Sports 1HD
Radio: 891 ABC Adelaide, ABC Local Radio South Australia, Grandstand Digital and online at www.abc.net.au/grandstand
Twitter: Join the conversation on Twitter using the hash-tag #MVCvADL #theoriginal
Adelaide United squad: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (GK) (c), 3.Nigel BOOGAARD, 4.Jon McKAIN, 5.Osama MALIK, 6.CASSIO, 7.JERONIMO, 8.ISAIAS, 9.Sergio CIRIO, 10.Marcelo CARRUSCA, 11.Bruce DJITE, 13.Steven LUSTICA, 14.Cameron WATSON, 17.Awer MABIL, 18.Michael ZULLO, 19.Jake BARKER-DAISH, 21.Tarek ELRICH, 22.Fabio FERREIRA, 30.John HALL (GK)
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 3.Nigel BOOGAARD (returns from suspension), 11.Bruce DJITE (returns from injury), 14.Cameron WATSON (returns from suspension), 18.Michael ZULLO (returns from international duty)
Outs: 12.Antony GOLEC, 23.Jordan ELSEY (both omitted)
Unavailable: 16.Daniel BOWLES (ankle – 3 weeks), 20.Paul IZZO (GK) (adductor – 2 weeks)
