Adelaide United host Sydney FC at Hindmarsh Stadium, in what shapes as an exciting match to kick off this week’s round. Join The Roar from 7:20pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
The last time these two sides met, Adelaide were suffering at the foot of the ladder, while the Sky Blues were enjoying life at the top end.
Fast forward a few rounds and the Reds have taken the league by storm, undefeated in their last nine matches, making a strong claim for a finals appearance.
Only one point separates the two sides, Sydney on fifth and Adelaide sixth, so three points will be the only result coaches Guillermo Amor and Graham Arnold will settle for.
Adelaide notched their fourth successive victory last week, a 1-0 win over the Jets. A Marcelo Carrusca goal was all that was needed to seal the deal for the Reds, who have adapted very well to Amor’s style of play.
Sydney suffered, due in part to a short turnaround, going down convincingly to Brisbane at home. The Sky Blues travel to Adelaide having lost their last two games, and are determined to get themselves back on the winners’ list.
Both sides were quiet during the January transfer window. Sydney FC welcomed former player David Carney back onto their list, signing the 32-year-old at the 11th hour on deadline day. Young star Alex Gersbach was signed by Norwegian champions Rosenborg BK, so a restructure in defence is required.
Adelaide United meanwhile signed City midfielder Stefan Mauk, with defender Osama Malik transferring to Melbourne City in exchange.
Mauk has been very impressive this season and could provide the extra stability in midfield to guide the Reds to the top end of the table. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season, scoring four goals in 12 matches, as well as providing two assists and numerous of chances. The former City midfielder should feel right at home with his new team, particularly as Adelaide play an attacking style.
The Reds have defeated the Sky Blues in four of their last five meetings, while Sydney has only won once in their last five visits to Hindmarsh Stadium.
Sydney FC remains the best defensive side in the league, conceding the fewest goals thus far in the league, with 17. United meanwhile has not been shy in front of goals, scoring 11 times in their last four matches.
In team news, Ben Warland and Bruce Kamau have both been promoted into Adelaide’s first team.
Sydney FC have made three inclusions, as Naumoff and Matt Simon return to the team, with Carney set to feature as well.
Adelaide United are the in-form side of the competition at the moment, however expect the Sky Blues to bounce back after two straight losses.
Prediction
Sydney to clinch it away, 2-1.
Can Adelaide continue their resurgence in the league, or will the Sydney end the Reds’ unbeaten run? Join The Roar from 7:20pm (AEDT) for all the action.
BtoPower3
Guest
Jb Hi 5, You are not wrong. And not wrong at all! However, this boring AU vs Syd FC does not exemplify the theory of "defending-is-also-good". Why? It is because that both lost 2 points. So, if AU vs Syd FC and then Syd FC vs AU and both matches draw, then both teams loss 4 points after 2 matches. However, if they choose to play attacking football, they may win one and lose one. As a result, they both just lose 3 points after two matches. The above is just an assumption. However, it explains why people want to see attacking football and the reason of a 3 point system (which was invested by UK few decades ago). You want to see your supporting team to "win one and lose one" or "draw both" of 2 matches? If anyone can come up with suitable statistics, I am looking forward to learning from it.
j binnie
Guest
Ah the modern game!! Take a look at the photo used to headline this report and see 7 Adelaide United players (not the keeper) behind the ball being attacked by 4 Sydney players . 4 against 7 (or 8)!!!!!!! .All in the back third of the pitch.. Who plays the game defensively?????? Serously,this is what modern football is all about and instead of criticising we should be watching for instances like the picture above to praise Adelaide players for their defensive thinking,and for their opponent's success against greater odds if some sort of success is achieved.Forget the "park the bus" rubbishy syndrome and assess each set of players in how they are adapting to prevailing conditions.That is modern thinking for the modern game. Entertaining???? In the eye and mind of the beholder. Cheers jb
j binnie
Guest
Ah the modern game!!Take a look at the photo used to headline this report and see 7 Adelaide United players (not the keeper) behind the ball being attacked by 4 Sydney players . 4 against 7 (or 8)!!!!!!! Who plays the game defensively?????? Serously,thisis what modern football is all about and instead of criticising we should be watching for instances like the picture above to prise Adelaide players for their defensive thinking,and for their opponent's success against greater odds if some sort of success is achieved.Forget the "park the bus" rubbishy syndrom and assess each set of players in how they are adapting to prevailing conditions.
Qantas & SBS support Australian Football
Guest
Bob, yes indeed, SFC have turned a corner and look really good in parts. Although the first half was AU's I thought, and the second half SFC were coming home with a wet sail---with Carney playing a major role in the second half. Bosque, will be back next week and it will be interesting to see how the team shapes up for the next few outings. Surprise; Arnold went for a 4-3-3 in Hindmarsh, so I'm just thinking he will continue with this until the end of the season now---to have the guys playing a more attractive style of winning football.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
"We'll all be rooned " said Hanrahan, "before the year is out!." How can you be so "poor" when you come from behind twice to level the scores and play the most attacking football. If it wasn't for a second minute defensive error and 2 great saves from Galekovic, Sydney would have won.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Good luck Adelaide on Tuesday night in the ACL qualifier. Hope you come and join SFC and MV in the premier Asian club competition and re-live some of your old glories.
Bob Brown
Roar Guru
Sydney were the better team and played the most attacking, entertaining football, especially considering they were the away team. Carney made a difference and almost set up a contender for goal of the season and created another 2 opportunities. Goals will come and Sydney will win more games now. SFC v Wanderers GF at ANZ Stadium.
Midfielder
Guest
Watched the Flying Circus tonight V the Piss Ants and where was this team that does not attack ... as I posted earlier in the week the two bits of the Flying Circus I saw of roughly 20 minutes against the BTs and 25 minutes against the Red Necks ... whats all the noise about...
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Match Report: It was a highly entertaining opening to the round as two bitter rivals locked horns at Coopers Stadium, in what was a very significant match for both these sides. Adelaide United and Sydney FC playing out an enthralling draw that did not fail to disappoint in front of a pulsating crowd here in Adelaide. Going into the match only one point separated these two sides who sat in 5th and 6th on the league table. The match started in the most unlikeliest of fashions as Adelaide United were rewarded with the opening goal with Sergio Cirio finding the back of the net just two minutes in after a bit of luck. Sydney FC were then forced to desperately attack after conceding early, as they surged forward on a numerous of occasions. It looked as though the Reds were going to be a hard nut to crack after conceding and took a moment of brilliance from the ever reliable Matt Simon to equalise, heading home a fantastic delivery by Holosko between two Adelaide defenders. The match then took another turn as Adelaide hit the front for the second time after Sydney FC had done well to control the match. Bruce Kamau's fancy footwork set up Cirio who completed his brace slotting home the goal inside quite a congested box. However the half wasn't done then with Holosko tapping home yet another equaliser after a great ball inside the box from Ninkovic. Sydney FC started the second half better out of the two sides as they did well to control much of the second half. Matt Simon continued to give a number of headaches for the Adelaide defenders, having a number of chances just going wide. Eugene Galekovic also coming to his sides rescue on many occasions. Marcelo Carrusca's inclusion into the match was significant as it provided the Reds with a bit of 'X-factor' in the last few minutes, however despite his presence his side weren't able to break the deadlock as the result remained. Both David Carney and Stefan Mauk looked very impressive for their new clubs this evening, with Bruce Kamau also starring in his first start for the Reds. At the end of the day football was the winner with both sides playing out a cracking match in front of a great crowd. At full time it was: Adelaide United 2 (Cirio 2' & 45') drew to. Sydney FC 2 (Simon 37', Holosko 45+3)
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Sort of game it was - SFC were poor first half, but managed to come from behind twice to keep it square at half time. I thought they were the better of the two in the 2nd half, but couldn't get that 3rd goal. Mauk probably had one of the very best opportunities of the game, but skied it mid way through 2nd half.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
Full Time. It sends all square here in Adelaide in what was a highly entertaining match between two rivals. Neither team could break the deadlock in the second half. Adelaide 2 Sydney 2
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
92' 30 seconds to go and Tavares is booked for a hold on Carrusca.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
92' Sydney now in attack as they desperately throw men forward. Holosko sends in a cross however it is met by Galekovic and the Reds are away on the counter!
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
91' Adelaide win a corner after some great persistence by Carrusca putting great pressure on Tavares. It's whipped in well by the Argentine however headed away by Holosko.
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
90' There will be 3 minutes added on as stoppage time. Will we see some late drama here in Adelaide?
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
88' Ninkovic coming inches away from scoring a top quality goal right in the top corner. Adelaide 2 Sydney 2
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
87' Holosko is brought down on the right wing and gives Carney to send in a curling ball into the box. Carney does so however hits it close to Galekovic, allowing the Adelaide goal keeper to punch the ball out of harms way. Adelaide 2 Sydney 2
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
86' What a great piece of football by the Sky Blues in what would have been the goal of the year. The only thing that the Sky Bliues were lacking was someone to pull the trigger as McGowan clears it out of danger. Adelaide 2 Sydney 2
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
85' Substitution. OFF: Simon. ON: Smeltz
Athos Sirianos
Roar Guru
82' Stefan Mauk coming very close yet again to breaking the deadlocked. He turned very well inside the box, finding himself in quite a difficult angle where it looked as though he was trying to centre it to Carrusca but instead miss-hit the ball and instead goes out for a goal kick. Adelaide 2 Sydney 2