Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers meet again for the second time in quick succession, with the Reds eager to exact revenge following its midweek loss.
The Reds went down 2-1 at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night with the visitors overcoming Craig Goodwin’s stunning free-kick.
The result snapped a three-match winning streak and Adelaide will be aiming to repeat the success of its previous to CommBank Stadium, when it secured a thrilling 3-2 win last year.
It will be another tough match, as Carl Veart and his squad remain focused on finishing as high up the table as possible.
Team news
Juande returns to the squad following his one-match suspension, and Bernardo is also included after a back issue. However, Michael Jakobsen is unavailable after succumbing to a groin injury midweek as too is Jacob Tratt, ruled out with a hamstring complaint.
What the expert says
Robbie Thomson: This one promises to be just as tight as Wednesday’s clash between the two at Coopers. Not for the first time this season, the Wanderers showed that if you don’t take your chances against them, they can make you pay. Adelaide were left to rue missed chances in the first half in particular. It will be another tactical battle and set-pieces could prove decisive.
One to watch
Robbie Thomson: With Carl Veart appearing to prefer to use Mo Toure (and to a lesser extent Bernardo) as an impact player off the bench, I think there’s a real opportunity for Lachie Brook to cement a first team place in a wide role, but to do that, he needs to harness that pace and eye for goal and add to his solitary assist in eight appearances.
Key battle
Robbie Thomson: I think this one could easily be won in the dugout. Carl Veart versus Mark Rudan. Like in any game between a side with big attacking potential and one that likes to defend, tactics play a big role in the outcome. There’s how they line-up, but also how you adapt in-game. Will be an intriguing battle.
One change you’d like to see
Robbie Thomson: I think it’s clear that Juande needs to return immediately from suspension. I mentioned it last time, but he is precious in the middle of the park and I think the Reds missed him in midweek. Against a side like WSW that proposes a strong physical challenge, his experience and steel in midfield brings a lot to the table.
Head-to-head
Played: 28
Wins: 9
Draws: 10
Losses: 9
Last five meetings
1-2 loss (H)
2-2 draw (H)
1-1 draw (H)
2-3 win (A)
5-2 loss (A)
Prediction
Robbie Thomson: It’s never easy playing the same team back to back, just four days apart. The team that wins this one will be the one that can learn the most from the first meeting, and then put it behind them and treat this like a completely new game. If Adelaide are still mulling over the loss, or the Wanderers still enjoying the win, then both could be in for nasty surprises.
Match details:
Sunday, 20 March vs Western Sydney Wanderers
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22
Kick-off 6.35pm ACDT
Venue: CommBank Stadium
Stream: Paramount+
