Adelaide got just their second win of the season after defeating Gold Coast United 2-1 in their ‘away’ game at Hindmarsh on Friday night. Iain Ramsay was crucial to both goals for the Reds, as they managed to fight off a brave Gold Coast outfit.
So where to now for Adelaide United?
Points are important right now for them. They really cannot afford to fall too far away from the top tier if they want to be legitimate contenders.
Right now, there are still form and player selection issues. That can be sorted out and confidence will build from points. However, things still need sorting out, for both players and coaches.
For most of this (still early) season, I’ve been trying to make sense of some of Rini Coolen’s player selections.
One that has, in particular, confused me is the omission of Iain Ramsey. The young talent finally started for the first time this season, and his game only helped me think that he should be a first-teamer for the rest of the season.
Andy Slory has been in his position, and has been disappointing for me. Slory should bide his time on the bench which is easier said than done however.
A couple of selection issues are going to come to a head in the coming weeks for Adelaide.
Firstly, Sergio van Dijk’s injury may keep him out for a few weeks which we will know more about that in coming days.
Bruce Djite will take that spot, at least for this week. The number 11 has struggled with fitness and form, but he should continue to start, mainly to get that form and fitness.
This is an opportunity for Djite.
I haven’t been a fan of Djite and van Dijk starting together. The main reason, being it makes Adelaide too slow and direct up front.
When van Dijk inevitably recovers from injury, can Djite can keep him out? We shall see.
Another selection headache (and a good one to have) may come in the defensive area for Rini’s Reds. Nigel Boogard came in for an injured Milan Susak and did very well.
He partnered Jon McKain well in the centre defensive pairing and should stay there if he continues his form like the one he showed against Gold Coast.
So does Milan Susak come back in? Yes, but at full back. He is a strong physical presence and could control that area for the Reds.
For the time being, I would play Adelaide in a 4-2-3-1. The back four will include Susak (if fit, Mullen if not), Boogaard, McKain and Cassio.
In the holding midfield roles, I would have Levchenko and Usucar, who played well on the weekend and should continue there. Djite would lead the line, with Vidosic in behind.
Slory and Caravella would occupy the flanks.
For a start, Rini should revert back to his 4-2-3-1 formation and reward form, and see what happens from there.
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