Central Coast are to be the latest hurdle for the Reds in their pursuit for the Premiership. And although United have overcome their Round 25 opponents twice already this season, these three Mariners could cause Adelaide to stumble.
Fabio Ferreira
Each time Fabio Ferreira has played Adelaide United since he departed the Reds, the Portuguese winger has been out to prove a point, a point he has seemingly gotten through. His blistering speed and directness carves up countless Hyundai A-League defences, La Flecha carving us up twice already this season with two trademark goals. There’s no denying how easily he can convert the chances that are presented to him and if he is given even the slightest of time to run at his man, you can back Ferreira to take his opportunity far more often than not.
Round 24:
Total Shots: 6
Shot Assists: 2
Total Crosses: 2
Passing Accuracy: 72.4%
Luis Garcia
The Liverpool Legend will be making his Coopers Stadium debut and facing ‘the Reds’ for the first time in South Australia. Used for less than an hour when the two sides met in Round 19, Garcia showed glimpses of his quality in patches, but failed to influence the Mariners’ performance. Despite his career being beyond its peak, Garcia’s influence on Tony Walmsley’s squad extends further than the number of goals he scores or chances he creates. Garcia’s knowledge and experience is the greatest of any Hyundai A-League player currently playing and he will undoubtedly be passing this onto his teammates every single day.
Round 24:
Red Card: 1
Shot Assists: 1
Total Crosses: 2
Passing Accuracy: 60.5%
Roy O’Donovan
Having had a very turbulent inaugural season for Central Coast, largely surrounding his eight match suspension for head-butting Wellington Phoenix’s Manny Muscat, Roy O’Donovan will now be looking to just ensure his focus is firmly on performing well for the remainder of the campaign. The former Sunderland, Blackpool, and Coventry City forward has managed five goals this season, including a quality volley last week in his side’s comeback against Sydney FC. O’Donovan’s aggression and eye for goal will test the Reds’ defence and provide good experience leading into the finals.
Round 23:
Goals: 1
Total Shots: 3
Shot Assists: 1
Passing Accuracy: 75%
Adelaide United will face Central Coast Mariners in Round 25 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Sunday, 27 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 4.30pm ACDT.
