On paper, tonight’s Round 9 clash between Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar seems equivalent to a David and Goliath battle. Join us for live scores and commentary 7.30pm AEDT.
In one corner, we have Adelaide. The Reds are a side accustomed to consistency over the years.
However, this season has proven to be a tumultuous one for Josep Gombau’s men, with United currently languishing in eighth place and without a win since the opening weekend.
At the other end, the story could not be more different. Mike Mulvey is enjoying a purple patch in his second season at the helm of the Roar, as his outfit comfortably sits at the top of the table, three points clear of reigning premiers Western Sydney.
The last time these two sides met was in last season’s Elimination Final at Coopers Stadium, where Brisbane managed to bundle Adelaide out of the playoffs with a convincing 2-1 victory away from home.
In fact, Adelaide has been a happy hunting ground for the outfit in recent years. Brisbane has gone unbeaten in the City of Churches since February 6, 2010, including three wins from three outings last season.
Jon McKain returns to the Adelaide squad after being sidelined with a virus, and United fans will be hoping the former Socceroo will help shore up the Reds’ leaky defence, which has conceded 15 goals this season – the highest in the A-League.
Meanwhile, in the Brisbane camp, Mulvey’s starting side which defeated Perth last week remains unchanged, with second-gamer Matt Acton continuing to stand between the posts in place of injured and usual shot-stopper Michael Theo.
In a further boost for the competition leaders, Liam Miller makes his return off the bench after being sidelined with injury for the last six weeks.
Despite the seeming mismatch on paper, Gombau’s side is under enormous pressure to deliver results, and could be inspired to perform with the backing of a passionate home crowd.
Brisbane’s only two losses from this season came away from home, and if Adelaide can take advantage of their strong possession-based game, they may be a chance of claiming an unlikely result against their more-fancied opponents.
If the Reds fail to do so, and provide yet another insipid performance, then Gombau could be out of the door by Monday.
The Auteur
Guest
I only caught the extended highlights but the Roar's defensive backline is concerning me. They were torn apart too easily and still under high-pressing, Matt Smith and James Donachie still tried to play out from the back.
Paul
Guest
Fitness - the game plan involves a lot of running and sprinting, it is quite intense and players used to conserving energy in counter-attacking game plans will struggle. Gombau needs a full season. I think the results will come and it will be amazing, even if it is next season after the players have had a full season and another preseason under their belts.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Yeah, great game. Gombau has got to be told he will see out the season. A Berisha would do them wonders. Also doesn't help when Elrich has a brain fade just before he decides to lunge at an attacker in the box... ...also what is with this fading late in the match? Frustration or fitness? Gave Roar in the last few minutes though.
jamesb
Guest
Unlucky Adelaide They deserved more from that match.
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
FULL TIME: Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Tough going for Adelaide. They played out of their skins for the first 50-60 minutes of the match, then fell away. They made Brisbane seem second-rate for long periods, something which other sides have struggled to do this year. Ultimately, however, they began to tire and fall away, allowing their opponents to find huge amounts of space in the latter periods of the game. Brisbane's come-from-behind win sees them temporarily extend their lead at the top of the table to six points before West Sydney tackle Melbourne Heart at home tomorrow night. Meanwhile, Adelaide's winless streak continues for yet another week. The Reds remain without a victory since Round One. The coming week will be interesting for Josep Gambau's future at Hindmarsh. His side played brilliant football for much of the game, but yet again were on the receiving end of a loss. Is it enough for the Spaniard to hold onto his job? Thanks for joining me tonight, hope you enjoyed it, and can't wait to do it with you again soon! Rusty
The artist formally known as Dave
Guest
Agreed. There was a heap of late tackles I thought yellow for sure, but didn't even get given as fouls.
The artist formally known as Dave
Guest
Also I lost count of the times Robbie Slater said things that I couldn't disagree with more. God I hate commentators sometimes.
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
FULL TIME: Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar "There wasn't much in it to be honest. I made the most of it" - Osama Malik on falling to the ground in the penalty box late in the game, which led to calls for a penalty. Now that's some honesty!
The artist formally known as Dave
Guest
Harsh harsh luck Adelaide. You deserved AT LEAST a draw out of that IMO. Created most of the best chances. Anyone who can't see what's developing down there isn't looking I reckon. Give Gombau time!!
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
FULL TIME: Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Adelaide's Carrusca and McKain surround referee Peter O'Leary shouting and gesturing at referee Peter O'Leary, who groups with his fellow officials and leaves the pitch to further jeers from the local crowd.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Ref seems to believe in rugged defending ...
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
FULL TIME: Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Referee blows his whistle to a chorus of boos from the Adelaide crowd
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
90+3' Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar CONTROVERSY! Osama Malik finds the ball at his feet in the box and seemed to be caught as he fell to the ground. Referee waves play away. Adelaide players and crowd furious! Yellow cards flying out of the ref's pocket now!
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
90+3' Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Carrusca free kick amounts to nothing. Corner for Adelaide at the death!
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
90+2' Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Cirio beats Hingert and seems to be through for a 3-on-3 opportunity, but the referee blows his whistle prematurely and play is forced to stop, much to the anger of the home crowd and Adel players
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
90+1' Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Three minutes of injury time here. Can Adelaide conjure up SOMETHING?
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
90' Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Carrusca with a free kick for Adelaide, but his cross is poor and Acton has no qualms with collecting it in the air.
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
87' Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Adelaide oh-so-close again! Long ball leads to Jeronimo with a fleeting header over Acton who was racing out of his goal. Ball goes just wide of the goal though
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Unlucky for Adelaide there
Rusty Woodger
Roar Pro
89' Adelaide United 1-2 Brisbane Roar Yet again, Franjic with an acre of space on the right. He is unable to take advantage of the situation though and the ball ends up in Galekovic's hands after a weak shot