Marco Kurz and Ersan Gülüm are excited about taking part in their inaugural Hyundai A-League Original Rivalry and are confident of securing a win if the team plays to their full potential.
The Reds will be out to start strongly, hoping to string back-to-back wins together following their last-gasp 2-1 win at Brisbane Roar last weekend.
Meanwhile, the Victory are in an unfamiliar position after suffering successive losses to begin the season, most recently falling 2-1 to crosstown rivals Melbourne City in the derby.
Kurz said the players are primed and ready for the huge meeting, after a strong week of training.
“I don’t think the boys are nervous,” he said. “We know Friday is a special game against Victory, it’s a derby and in a special stadium.
The guys we just love to hate… Who tops your list of Victory villains?
? More: https://t.co/Fc7Az4XAbB
? Tickets: https://t.co/0T2fTTkvmw pic.twitter.com/SNgiEkZ3OB— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 18, 2017
“It’s great for us to play here at Adelaide Oval, today we trained to get a feeling for the stadium, for the pitch.
“The whole week the team trained very focused and concentrated and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The German was also pleased with the surface of the hallowed turf of Adelaide Oval and called for supporters to flock to the venue.
“The pitch is good, it’s green and I hope tomorrow we have a lot of people in the stadium,” he continued.
“It’s important we need the support from our fantastic fans.”
Kurz admitted the Reds can take positives from their 3-0 Westfield FFA Cup triumph over Kevin Muscat’s men in August.
However, the former 1. FC Kaiserslautern boss insisted only another tireless display will be good enough to taste success.
Important info for our match against @gomvfc at @TheAdelaideOval Friday night. Gates open 6pm. #ADLvMVC
? Tickets: https://t.co/0T2fTT2TXW pic.twitter.com/ROXaOcuRkC
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 18, 2017
“I think importantly we have the experience that we can beat Victory,” he said.
“But we know that it’s hard work, we need a top performance and we need a good confidence in our game.
“It’s not possible to make two big mistakes against Victory and we have respect, but we also have confidence in our quality.”
Meanwhile, Gülüm said he relishes playing in massive games and enjoys the thrill of competing regardless of the league.
The 30-year-old has played in a number of Istanbul derbies during his six-year stint with Turkish giants Beşiktaş, most notably against Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray.
“No matter what league it’s in through the media, the preparation to the game,it’s boosted through the whole week in the Club,” he said.
A South Aussie like @JordanElsey1 expects a lot out of a battle with Victory. And why shouldn't he?!
? Be there: https://t.co/0T2fTT2TXW pic.twitter.com/zmjZfIURZ9
— Adelaide United FC (@AdelaideUnited) October 16, 2017
“In the changing rooms, you understand how big of a game it is internally as a Club.
“And obviously the direction we are heading in as a Club we want to be successful this year and so far we are heading in the right direction.
“As I said it doesn’t matter what country or what league you’re in it’s a derby and you always want to win the derby.”
Having played against numerous top-class strikers throughout his career, Gülüm admitted Besart Berisha is a dangerous player and was up for the challenge.
“We have seen on a few videos, what he (Berisha) does,” he said.
“How he makes his runs and how he tries to score.
“You can only try your best to prevent him from scoring, I’m sure on the day if everyone does their job we’ll be heading home with the three points.
“You said I’ve played against a lot of big nines, I’m not going to say he’s bad or really good.
“He’s a good player in the A-League, he’s proven himself and I’m here to prove myself in the A-League as well, so I’ll just do my best tomorrow.”
Team news
Karim Matmour returns to the squad after overcoming muscle soreness. However, defenders Taylor Reegan (ankle) and Tarek Elrich (knee) remain out with long-term injuries.
Last five meetings
2-1 loss @ AAMI Park
0-2 loss @ Coopers Stadium
1-2 loss @ Coopers Stadium
0-1 win @ AAMI Park
2-1 loss @ Etihad Stadium
Adelaide United host Melbourne Victory in Round 3 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Friday, 20 October at Adelaide Oval. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
