Melbourne Victory coach Tony Popovic will welcome his first taste of Adelaide’s hostile atmosphere in what he expects will be a typically fiery edition of one of the A-League Men’s oldest and fiercest rivalries.
More than 1,000 Victory fans are expected to travel to Coopers Stadium for Saturday’s clash with Adelaide United, with Popovic wary of what the Reds could deliver in front of a parochial crowd.
“The players that are here obviously are accustomed to that (hostile atmosphere), and they’ll give the feedback to the players and obviously for myself, it’s the first time as well,” Popovic told reporters on Friday.
“But of course we want to embrace that and enjoy that.
“(Adelaide are) always in the game. They’re a dangerous side. They’ve got a lot of speed, a lot of power.
“Very aggressive team at home and they showed (in a 2-2 draw) against Mlebourne City they’re never out of the game.
“They were 2-0 down and once they got the first goal you can see the crowd lifted, they lifted. It’s a difficult place to go to, so you have to be on song in every part of your game.”
Roderick Miranda is in the mix to return while Francesco Margiotta’s minutes could increase.
Chris Ikonomidis (thigh) is unlikely to feature while Brendan Hamill (groin) and Rai Marchan (red card suspension) will miss.
Adelaide coach Carl Veart faces a tough decision on whether to start fringe Socceroo Craig Goodwin.
The unbeaten Reds are hunting their first win of the season, with potency around goal still proving a hurdle.
“It was a little bit of an issue last year as well – we created a lot of opportunities, we just lacked that final cutting edge,” Veart said.
“In the three games we’ve played so far, we’re creating the opportunities, which is pleasing.
“We need just even a little bit of luck or more creativity or better understanding on how to take the chances we’re creating at the moment.”
Javi Lopez (red card suspension) is out while Adelaide hope veteran midfielder Isaias (hip) is fit to feature.
