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Adelaide United continue their form in the AFC Champions League by qualifying for the knockout stages again despite a poor A-League season. Join us from 8pm AEST for score updates to see if the Reds can get past Nagoya Grampus in this knockout encounter.
The Reds have struggled against Japanese opponents in the past, they seem to have stabilized that problem with two wins from two over Gamba Osaka in the group stage which would give them plenty of confidence in this sudden-death encounter.
Adelaide’s group stage couldn’t have gone any better with four wins and a draw from their six games to finish top of the group and earn a home tie in the Round of 16.
While Nagoya have performed well in the competition, and are unbeaten, their domestic form has been worrying with just one win from their last four games in the J-League. It’s left them in 13th place in the league and out of contention for the title.
Adelaide player to watch: Sergio van Dijk – The experienced striker hasn’t been John Kosmina’s first choice of late but is still a deadly finisher in front of goal.
He came off the bench to score the crucial opener against Gamba Osaka in the Reds’ last game and his form has the Adelaide boss considering whether or not to go with two strikers from the start for the do-or-die clash with the Japanese giants. Adelaide will need Van Dijk’s goals if they are to progress deep into the competition.
Nagoya player to watch: Josh Kennedy – The Socceroos star has struggled with injury of late but is still a major threat to Adelaide’s hopes of victory. He has three goals in eight J-League games so far this season which isn’t a bad return considering Nagoya’s poor start to the season domestically.
He has withdrawn from contention for Australia’s friendly with Denmark on Saturday to be available for the clash.
Defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka will also need to be watched closely. He’s not only hard to get past at the back but knows where the goal is and scored in both games against the Central Coast in the group stage
Verdict: Adelaide United have done a superb job in getting through to the knockout stages by topping their group. Considered the least likely of the three Australian sides to progress before the tournament, the Reds have defied the odds and done it on the back of a well-structured game plan, resolute defence but also some pretty impressive football.
It a matter of who can handle the pressure, you would certainly feel that the wonderful crowd at Hindmarsh will get the Reds home, even if the Grampus side are flourishing with international players.
Adelaide 2-1
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