It’s now or never for Adelaide United which has conceded its upcoming matches against Central Coast and Perth Glory could define its season.
It’s now or never for Adelaide United which has conceded its upcoming matches against Central Coast and Perth Glory could define its season.
Tenth-placed Adelaide still has some chance of reaching the finals but it needs to collect some points in a hurry.
A win against the Mariners at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday would be a positive step for the Reds as it would see them draw level with the eighth-placed side. A follow-up win against the Glory on Tuesday would see them threatening the top six.
United coach Aurelio Vidmar said the team is aware of the importance of performing in its next two home fixtures.
“The next couple of games are going to be really crucial for us, that’ll dictate if we get into the finals or not,” Vidmar said.
“We are still in with a chance, so I still believe that we can do it, I don-t think any of the players have any doubts they can get there.”
Meanwhile the club is sweating on the fitness of Iain Fyfe ahead of its must-win match against Central Coast at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.
Fyfe injured his knee and ankle after being cleaned up in a crude sliding tackle from the Gold Coast’s Shane Smeltz last weekend. While there was bruising and swelling, there was no structural damage in either part of his leg.
Vidmar said Fyfe would train with the team and would be given a chance to prove his fitness.
“He’s pulled up quite well over the last couple of days so we’ll give him every opportunity to start the game,” Vidmar said.
United will be smarting if Fyfe is left on the sidelines as his form in defence, alongside Mark Rudan, has been encouraging during the second half of the season.
“I think Fyfey has been tremendous, especially his last four or five weeks he’s been superb on and off the park,” Vidmar said.
“It would be a blow but in saying that anyone that we put up the back will be a very, very handy replacement.”
“We can put a number of people there. Michael Marrone back there, we can put Daniel Mullen in there … if that happens maybe Reidy (Paul Reid) can come back into the midfield or (Adam) Hughes so we’ve got a fair few options.”
