With Adelaide United’s clash against Newcastle Jets fast approaching, we take a closer look at three dangermen the Reds should look out for when the two sides meet on Friday at Hunter Stadium.
Mark Birighitti
Former Red, Mark Birighitti, was without a doubt the standout performer for the Jets in Round 7, the last time the two sides met. He was a colossal between the posts for Newcastle and prevented everything United threw his way throughout the 90 minutes. After conceding four goals at home last week against Melbourne City, Birighitti will definitely be looking to make amends for the poor result, especially considering no ‘keeper likes to concede a goal, let alone four. His quick reactions and vast reach will make it difficult for United’s forwards to put goals past him, but with the Reds able to put the ball in the back of the net four times last week, including disallowed goals, they can be confident in registering something on the board.
Round 10:
Total Saves: 2
Shot Save %: 33.3%
Shots faced: 16
Touches: 31
Milos Trifunovic
Despite being starved of any chances in Round 7 against the Reds, Trifunovic was somewhat of a menace on the very rare occasion that the Jets actually moved the ball forward. Bagging four goals so far this campaign, but without one in four games, Trifunovic’s start to the season demonstrated how clinical he can be. However, a winless streak of six games and just four goals scored by Newcastle in that time has left the Serbian striker high and try. Nevertheless, his proficiencies in front of goal will remain if he is presented with clear chances, which the United defence will need to keep in mind throughout Friday’s match.
Round 10:
Total Shots: 1
Shots on Target: 1
Shot Assists: 3
Passing Accuracy: 72.2%
Mateo Poljak
Leading Newcastle’s completed pass statistics so far this season and racking up 89.7 per cent passing accuracy in a side that was thrashed 4-0 at home last week, Mateo Poljak has been a constant presence in the Jets midfield. His distribution expertise was also on display in Round 7 against the Reds, where he managed to complete 92.5 per cent of his passes. Having joined Newcastle at the start of this season, Poljak has slotted in perfectly into his new club and new manager’s plans for the Jets and is yet to miss a minute of action. A constant livewire throughout the middle of the park, Poljak’s energy and range of passing could catch the Reds out if they’re not conscious of the impact he can have.
Round 10:
Passing Accuracy: 89.7%
Long Passes: 15.4%
Interceptions: 6
Tackles: 4
