Having won three matches on the bounce for the second time this season, Adelaide are looking to make it four from four when Brisbane Roar enters Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
The Reds were far from their best against Perth Glory but did prevail 2-0 as they continued to pick up maximum points at the business end of the season.
A victory over the Roar would all but secure finals football and keep alive their hopes of a fourth-placed finish and home final.
Brisbane are winless in four games and were held 1-1 by Melbourne Victory on Anzac Day.
United have dominated this fixture in recent times, losing just twice in their past 11 meetings and have not suffered a home defeat against them since December 2017.
In the pair’s most recent encounter this campaign, Adelaide mustered a 3-1 away triumph.
Team news
Carl Veart confirmed Michael Jakobsen and Kusini Yengi will not be risked in the hope they will be available for the final match of the regular season against Western United. Mohamed Toure remains ruled out after suffering a dislocated shoulder.
What the expert says
Robbie Thomson: Adelaide are enjoying a good run of results and three wins in a row equals their run from February to March, even if it has been something of a mixed bag. They edged Macarthur, stunned Sydney FC late on before the kids, Bernardo and Nestor Irankunda got them over line against bottom side Perth Glory.
So results are good, but there is always room for improvement with finals football just around the corner. Brisbane come into this game on the back of two encouraging draws against Melbourne Victory in their last three games, but are still winless in their last four. Goals have been a problem for them all season, and only Perth has scored fewer this term.
One to watch
Robbie Thomson: A successful side, which is what Carl Veart’s Adelaide has been this season, has to have several key players, both in the starting XI and on the bench – we’ve seen it time and again this season. But alongside the experience of Juande and Isaias in the middle of the park, Craig Goodwin has been exceptional this campaign, leading the side with the maturity of a seasoned captain as well as the technique and attacking quality to be able to lead, while also making the difference.
He has struck that fine balance between leading a collective and also performing as an individual which is what is asked of a player in a wide attacking role.
Key battle
Robbie Thomson: Winning a football match is about playing to your strengths, but also negating those of your opponents. With that in mind, the Adelaide midfield will be looking to keep Jay O’Shea’s influence to a minimum. The Irishman only has three penalties in his goal column this term, but a highly impressive nine assists – that means he’s been directly involved in 12 of Roar’s 26 goals (a massive 46%). He has good delivery from set pieces, is a positive, technical player going forward, and when no-one is looking, ghosts into excellent advanced positions from midfield – you can’t take your eyes off him.
One change you’d like to see
Robbie Thomson: It was curious to see Carl Veart start with something akin to a 4-1-4-1 formation last game against a young Perth side low on confidence. Isaias played a lone holding role at the base of the midfield, with a very offensive line of Goodwin, Cavallo, Brook and Bernardo behind Ibusuki.
He switched things up at half-time looking for a little more control with Juande joining Isaias in the middle of the park. Playing at home to another struggling opponent could see him try that very attacking formation again.
Head-to-head
Played: 53
Wins: 24
Draws: 10
Losses: 19
Last three meetings
1-3 win (A)
0-0 draw (A)
1-2 win (A)
1-0 win (H)
3-1 loss (A)
Prediction
Robbie Thomson: Adelaide are playing the second of three consecutive home matches against Brisbane Roar, the worst away side in land (one win in 12 on the road). Adelaide have won their last four home games against Brisbane. Meanwhile, Roar having nothing left to play for this season, fourth-placed Adelaide can go a long way to securing a home elimination final if they win on Saturday and in their last game against WUFC. That’s a lot of reasons to suggest Adelaide start red-hot favourites. There is no shortage of motivation for Carl Veart’s side, and now they have to show how much they want it.
Match details:
Saturday, 30 April vs Brisbane Roar
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22
Kick-off 7.15pm ACST
Gates open 6.15pm ACST
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Stream: Paramount+
