Adelaide’s bid for a second Premiership rests on the outcome of its final match against the Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday, where a comfortable victory and a clean sheet will ensure top spot.
The Reds’ bid for their second Premiership rests on the outcome of their final match against the Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium on Sunday, where a comfortable victory and a clean sheet will ensure top spot.
The Melbourne Victory currently sit equal on points although the Reds enjoy a superior goal difference. At this stage, either side, plus third-place Queensland Roar, are a chance of finishing top.
Melbourne hosts the Wellington Phoenix on Friday night, a result which will make the situation clearer for Adelaide leading into its season-defining clash against the Mariners.
“By the time we play on Sunday afternoon everything else will be sorted out and we’ll know exactly what we need to do so we’re very confident going into this last game,” Adelaide coach Aurelio Vidmar said.
“With it coming down to the final round and three teams in contention similarly to last year, it’s very exciting and something that we’re all looking forward to.”
“Everyone knows the scenario on what it means to each individual and the club. It’s a big day, a big game and hopefully we can get over the line and become premiers.”
The Reds will face a difficult task against a Mariners outfit looking to secure its own place in the Hyundai A-League top four, as well as missing key defender Sasa Ognenovski through suspension and Alemao with a groin injury.
In better news on the selection front, Brazilian Cassio is set to return after missing last weekend’s match against Wellington due to his wife giving birth to their second child.
Midfield duo Lucas Pantelis and Kristian Sarkies are also available after recovering from injuries and will add to United’s stocks in the middle of the park.
“We need to win. You don’t know what’s going to happen so we have to see what happens with that game in Melbourne and our plan is the same as it is every week, to go out there and try to win,” Vidmar said.
“It’s a big test for everyone. We haven’t beaten the Central Coast this season. We had a great hour against them at Hindmarsh Stadium leading 3-0 and we drew 3-3 before getting battered over there 3-0, so it’s not going to be an easy game.”
“They’re always a tough team to play against but we’ll go out there and give everything we possibly can.”
