With Adelaide United’s clash against Melbourne Victory fast approaching, we take a closer look at three dangermen the Reds should look out for when the two sides meet on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.
Gui Finkler
As per Round 1, Gui Finkler poses a certain threat to United’s pursuit of the three points. In Victory’s Round 7 match against the Central Coast Mariners, Finkler’s skills were on full display as it was his brace that saw the reigning Hyundai A-League Champions overcome their New South Wales opponents 2-1. Finkler’s neat interchange with Oliver Bozanic prior to his perfectly placed side-footed effort into the bottom corner demonstrated the Brazilian’s effortless ability to link up with those around him to devastating effect. But for all his brilliance with the ball in play, Finkler’s quality from set pieces is just as prolific, as he curled a 25-yard free-kick around the Mariners’ wall and past a helpless Paul Izzo. Finkler’s creativity also remains key to many of the Victory attacks, as he’s been behind 17 of their chances already this season.
Round 7:
Goals: 2
Shots: 2
Shot Assists: 3
Passing Accuracy: 84.0%
Kosta Barbarouses
When the two sides met in their respective season openers, Barbarouses was largely kept quiet on the wings and struggled to truly trouble the United defence at any point throughout the stalemate. Nevertheless, the New Zealand international has steadily improved as the season has progressed, currently with two goals and one assist to his name in six games. Averaging 2.16 chances created per match, Barbarouses likes to keep himself busy on the flanks by taking the line, either cutting into the middle of the park and laying off a pass for a quick one-two, or whipping a ball into the box towards Victory’s frontmen. Unable to trouble Izzo in the Central Coast’s goal last round, Barbarouses was able to lay the ball off a number of times and created five strong chances for his teammates.
Round 7:
Shots: 2
Shots on Target: 0
Shot Assists: 5
Total Crosses: 2
Besart Berisha
Following his absence from Melbourne Victory’s Round 7 match-up with Central Coast Mariners, Berisha has been re-introduced into the Victorian’s squad for Round 8. Having already notched up four goals in five appearances this season, Berisha’s strength and determination going forward has seen Victory triumph countless times since his arrival at the club. Scoring a brace in the Big Blue, his last competitive match in Round 6, Berisha was dominant and his usual clinical self. With United able to keep him quiet in Round 1, the Reds will be hoping for much of the same this week, Berisha’s return from injury potentially working in the visitor’s favour.
Round 6:
Goals: 2
Shots: 3
Duels Won: 50%
Shot Assists: 1
