Match preview: Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix

Adelaide United are out to build on a dramatic 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets when they host in-form Wellington Phoenix on Saturday evening.

Marco Kurz’s men left Newcastle with a priceless three points thanks to Craig Goodwin’s last-ditch penalty, snapping a three-match winless run in the process.

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However, the Reds face a big test in the form of visiting Wellington Phoenix, who are unbeaten in their last four matches and could issue a huge statement of intent with a victory in the City of Churches.

Furthering the threat posed by Wellington is the signing of giant Irish international Cillian Sheridan, adding another attacking weapon for Mark Rudan.

The 29-year old striker has played for Scottish giants Celtic and is sure to provide a nice contrast to speedy striker Roy Krishna.

The Reds will need to be wary of the Phoenix’s ability on the counter in what is shaping up as a fascinating clash.

Key Opta stats

Adelaide United are undefeated in their last nine meetings with Wellington Phoenix (W6, D3), conceding just five goals in this time, four of them coming in the opening half.
Wellington Phoenix have scored five goals from outside the box this season; the most by any club.
The Phoenix are undefeated in their last five games (W3, D2) and will be looking to extend that run to six for the first time since Round 22, 2014/15 season.

Ins and Outs

Adelaide United squad: 1.Daniel MARGUŠ (gk), 2.Michael MARRONE, 3.Scott GALLOWAY, 4.Ryan STRAIN, 5.Taylor REGAN, 6.Vince LIA, 7.Ryan KITTO, 8.Isaías SÁNCHEZ (c), 10.Ken ILSØ, 11.Craig GOODWIN, 14.George BLACKWOOD, 16.Nathan KONSTANDOPOULOS, 17.Nikola MILEUSNIĆ, 20.Paul IZZO (gk), 22.Michael JAKOBSEN, 23.Jordan ELSEY, 26.Ben HALLORAN, 27.Louis D’ARRIGO. **two to be omitted**

Ins: 23.Jordan ELSEY (returns from suspension), 27.Louis D’ARRIGO (promoted)
Outs: nil
Unavailable: 9.Baba DIAWARA (knee), 18.Lachlan BROOK (knee), 31.Mirko BOLAND (hamstring), 33.Apostolos STAMATELOPOULOS (quad)

Wellington Phoenix squad: 1.Filip KURTO, 4.Mandi SOSA, 5.Ryan LOWRY, 6.Dylan FOX, 8.Mitch NICHOLS, 9.Nathan BURNS, 11.David WILLIAMS, 13.Liberato CACACE, 14.Alex RUFER, 15.Michal KOPZCYNSKI, 16.Louis FENTON, 18.Sarpreet SINGH, 19.Tom DOYLE, 20.Oliver SAIL (gk), 21.Roy KRISHNA, 22.Andrew DURANTE (c), 23.Max BURGESS, 27.Steven TAYLOR **two to be omitted**

Ins: 6. Dylan FOX (promoted), 8. Mitch Nichols (promoted)
Outs: Ni
Unavailable: Nil