Adelaide United are putting the final touches on their preparation for their match with table-toppers Brisbane Roar on Friday. With such fierce opposition, here are three players that could cause the Reds some headaches.
Thomas Broich
Two-time Johnny Warren Medallist, Thomas Broich, is always a threat. Ever-present for the Roar so far this season, Broich has been his usual creative self throughout the campaign, creating 33 chances for his teammates and contributing five assists. Although he was kept incredibly quiet by Melbourne Victory defender and debutant, Stefan Nigro, in Brisbane’s massive 4-0 loss last week, showing that it is possible to contain the German. Considering the Reds will be without Michael Marrone for the match after he was ruled out due to suspension, whichever United defender stepping into the right-back role this week will definitely need to be prepared to stay tight on the winger and restrict his movement as much as possible.
Round 15:
Total Shots: 1
Shot Assists: 0
Total Crosses: 3
Passing Accuracy: 66.7%
Henrique
With Brisbane without their formidable young forwards, Brandon Borrello and Jamie Maclaren, both with the Olyroos, Brazilian, Henrique, has been brought back into the side to lead the line. But in the last two matches, the Roar have been held scoreless and Henrique’s impact against the Victory in Round 14 was vastly controlled. Seemingly more dangerous coming off the bench, Henrique will be desperate to add to his four goals from the season so far in front of a home crowd. He was absent when the Roar trumped United 3-0 in Round 4, but his ability to finish many of the chances presented to him could cost the Reds similarly to the goal conceded against the Central Coast Mariners last weekend.
Round 15:
Total Shots: 3
Shot Assists: 1
Duels Won: 50%
Passing Accuracy: 60%
Corona
Although the Roar were thrashed last weekend, the Spanish pass-wizard, Corona, was as prolific as the Hyundai A-League’s fans have come to expect. Leading the competition for completed passes, Corona can dictate the tempo of a football match and read his opposition’s movements to great effect by utilising his vast experience. Having said this, though, his personal mark on the Reds’ in Round 4 was far less obvious, United’s midfield trio seemingly able to counter his impact. But with Jimmy Jeggo suspended for the game at Suncorp Stadium, Corona could look to exploit the whole Jeggo’s absence could create and make up for the quiet game the Spaniard’s already played against United.
Round 15:
Passing Accuracy: 88.7%
Shot Assists: 1
Long Passes: 17.7%
Total Crosses: 1
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Adelaide United will face Brisbane Roar in Round 16 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 22 January at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.30pm ACDT.
