Adelaide United will be out to continue their run as this year’s Asian Champions League surprise packet when they face old rivals Pohang Steelers in Korea.
The Reds have played the Korean side four times in the past – and never lost to them. The record, which includes three wins and a draw, is an impressive one.
The dominant Reds team of 2008 is a different beast to the 2012 version, which has struggled in the A-League but has surprisingly been impressive in the ACL this season.
Pohang head into the clash with mixed form both on the home and continental front. They have notched one win and one loss in their opening ACL games so far, losing to Bundyodkor and defeating Gamba Osaka, and most recently were too strong for K-League rivals Chunnam which they beat 1-0.
The Steelers will want to get one over their old foes, particularly at home, and striker Derek Asamoah and midfielder Ianis Zicu will be key. The African and European are genuine attacking threats that will be a handful for the Adelaide defence.
But it will be boosted by the return of Iain Fyfe, who is back in Reds colours after a stint in the K-League. Their A-League season may be over but Adelaide have the chance to keep their ACL dream alive, with a draw or a win away from home would be a huge achievement.
United have notched two wins from two ACL games already, and expectations are growing. They will go into the match without their newly appointed coach John Kosmina, who is in Canberra studying for the compulsory FIFA A-League coaching license.
Are you the ultimate team manager? Pick your own superstar team and go head to head with other football fans for glory and cash prizes on Draftstars. Imagine what you could be buying instead. Set a deposit limit.
It was not too long ago that it was no guarantee that the best youth talents from South Australia would make their A-League debuts…
Even though St.Pauli ultimately lost a high-scoring affair, Jackson Irvine was a standout, as well as scoring a late goal.
Mathew Leckie played a pivotal part in Melbourne City claiming an 8-nil win; playing a role in several of his team's goals.
A 10-man Macarthur FC have scored twice in the final 10 minutes and goalkeeper Filip Kurto saved an added-time penalty to defeat Adelaide United…
Clubs have cited regulations claiming players who decline national team call-ups ought to be prevented from featuring at a domestic level.
The loser of the Sydney Derby will be under immense pressure entering the final three matches of the season.
