With Adelaide United’s clash against Perth Glory around the corner, we take a closer look at three dangermen the Reds could find trouble with when the two sides meet at nib Stadium.
Josh Risdon
Young Glory fullback, Josh Risdon, enjoyed a monumental end to 2015, which included a Socceroos call-up and another Westfield FFA Cup runner-up medal. And whilst his start to 2016 has not been as positive so far, with Perth losing to Brisbane Roar on January 2nd, Risdon’s overlapping threat going forward remains. Missing from the last meeting of the two sides, but present when Glory beat the Reds in Round 3, Risdon can be as crucial in defence as offence and has a natural ability to be in the right place in the right time. Creating seven chances for teammates, crossing ten times from open play, and smacking four shots on target, his eye is constantly for goals and he can create solid chances if allowed to advance freely.
Round 13:
Tackles: 4
Clearances: 2
Passing Accuracy: 60.6%
Total Shots: 2
Ante Covic
This veteran goalkeeper is showing no signs of slowing down any time soon. Despite Glory’s loss to the Roar last week, Ante Covic pulled out a number of quality saves and has been a standout for Kenny Lowe’s underperforming squad. The ever-present ‘keeper has this season kept just two clean sheets, but has made 42 saves in the 13 matches he’s featured in. With an Asian Champions League Winners’ medal from his time with the Western Sydney Wanderers, Covic’s vast experience at the pinnacle of Australian club football can prove the difference for his side in retaining the points at nib Stadium against the Reds on Saturday evening.
Round 13:
Total Saves: 7
Shots Faced: 16
Shot Save Percentage: 77.8%
Total Passes: 22
Diego Castro
Perth’s marquee for 2015/16, Diego Castro, did not take long to prove why he was brought to Western Australia by the Glory. Four goals, one assist, 18 chances created, Castro is a dominant attacking force for Perth and is arguably their most dangerous threat. The Spaniard played just a cameo role in Round 3, but still managed to bag a goal against United earlier this season. But in the reverse fixture in Round 9, Castro was contained as the Reds went on to secure their first win of the season. They seemingly kept Castro quiet for the majority of the game but he was still able to show flashes of his quality, a reminder of how quickly he is able to change a game if given even the slightest of chances.
Round 13:
Total Shots: 3
Shot Assists: 7
Total Crosses: 3
Passing Accuracy: 82.1%
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Adelaide United will face Perth Glory in Round 14 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Saturday, 9 January at nib Stadium. Kick-off is at 9.10pm ACDT.
