Our Reds are battling Sydney FC for a place in the top three tonight, Amor’s men looking to make it five straight wins. But the Sky Blues pose a difficult challenge, fielding three players in particular that could end United’s current impressive form.
Filip Holosko
Since joining the Sky Blues at the start of this season, Holosko has been somewhat of a revelation for Graham Arnold’s side. The Slovakian international is one of the most experienced in Sydney’s line-up and has shown his quality with five goals and three assists so far in his maiden Hyundai A-League campaign. Instrumental in the Sky Blues’ fight-back against the Reds in Round 10, but quiet in their 3-1 loss to Brisbane Roar last week, Holosko can clearly be kept quiet, but United will need to be switched-on defensively if they want to do so.
Round 17:
Total Shots: 4
Shots on Target: 1
Passing Accuracy: 76.9%
Duels Won: 44.4%
Milos Ninkovic
Three goals and three assists to date in 2015/16, Ninkovic has also had a solid first season in the Hyundai A-League. With his movements restricted when the Reds hosted Sydney in Round 10, as a result of Alex Gersbach’s dismissal, Ninkovic will be hoping for much more freedom to explore Coopers this Friday. Ninkovic was one of the liveliest in an underwhelming performance from the Sky Blues against the Roar, and whilst he will certainly be looking for a similar individual showing, he will hope for a more rounded game from his teammates and more support in the final third in particular.
Round 17:
Shot Assists: 4
Total Shots: 1
Passing Accuracy: 81%
Total Crosses: 2
Mickaël Tavares
Sydney’s man in the middle, the most crucial cog in their midfield engine, Tavares can be the difference between a complete Sydney performance and one that’s well below par. As Arnold’s key holding midfielder, Tavares had his work cut out for him throughout the home thumping the Sky Blues were served in Round 17 against Brisbane, yet his resilient contribution was still noticeable. His ability to break up play could be pivotal to Sydney’s chances at Coopers on Friday, with the Reds’ forwards potentially needing to exploit the flanks more than usual to avoid Tavares’ vision and experience in the middle of the park.
Round 17:
Passing Accuracy: 91.8%
Shot Assist: 1
Tackles Won: 66.7%
Interceptions: 7
Adelaide United will face Sydney FC in Round 18 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Friday, 5 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.10pm ACDT.
