A-League live scores, blog: Perth Glory vs Adelaide United

 
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By janek.speight, 9 Oct 2011 janek.speight is a Roar Pro

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    The A-League has officially started and after yesterday’s games, the fun and excitement continues tonight at NIB Stadium in Perth, with Perth Glory and Adelaide United looking to signal their intentions to the rest of the league when they come against each other at 7.30pm AEDT. Join us for live scores and an interactive blog to wrap up the opening weekend.

    The story will largely focus on Travis Dodd’s first game against former club Adelaide United, as well as the battle between two of the most lethal finishers the A-League has ever seen.

    Every year we hear calls from the press, the club and the fans that this is the year Perth Glory will finally stand up and be counted for.

    And while optimism may be drawn from the playing roster, it is the continued reign of Ian Ferguson that is the stumbling block in any claim.

    Ferguson has recruited well, replacing Tando Velaphi with quality shotstopper Danny Vukovic and snaring quality defender Bas van den Brink from the Gold Coast.

    Rearranging his defence after the disgraceful, undisciplined charges of last season is key for Ferguson, and van den Brink will provide quality while the return of Chris Coyne from injury and contract mishaps will feel like a new signing.

    Throw in the arrival of Dodd, a proven winger capable of changing matches, and the inspired signings of Liam Miller and Shane Smeltz and here is a team more than capable of making a challenge for the Premiership.

    This is the chance for Ferguson and his players to prove they can shake it like the best, and a first test against media favourites Adelaide is a perfect start.

    Adelaide are being heralded by the media and fans alike for good reason too, with some impressive roster changes providing an exciting line-up and squad depth.

    The departure of Dodd puzzled and bedazzled fans from across the country, but after the arrival of Dario Vidošić all was forgiven.

    The returning Socceroo could arguably be the happiest person in Australia about the arrival of Emerton and Kewell.

    With two darlings of Australian football returning home a lot of pressure falls off the youngster, who should be involved in the national set-up for the best part of the next decade.

    Vidošić will be able to go about his business and show fans he has the ability to become the signing of the year.

    Flores the magician is no more, but his departure came early enough for Rini Coolen to construct a team that will not be dependable of his moments of sheer class.

    The coup signing of Jon McKain and the arrival of Spaše Dilevski provide the coach with a solid back line, completed by Cassio and most likely Daniel Mullen.

    Zenon Caravella should provide the midfield thrust for the Reds’ attacks while the debut of unknown quantity Evgeniy Levchenko will be highly anticipated.

    Completed by goal scoring machine Sergio van Dijk and the return of Bruce Djite, and the line-up is almost beggaring belief.

    It should be a cracking game filled with goals, drama and controversy as both sides test new-look line-ups for the first time.

    Which team will live up to the pre-season hype? Join us and find out from 7.30pm AEDT for coverage of all the action with live score updates and a blog of all the action as it happens, and get involved by posting your comments below!