Five months on from their grand final loss, Western Sydney Wanderers return to Adelaide with a chip on their shoulders.
After a 4-0 derby loss to Sydney FC the week previous, the Wanderers will be looking to make a statement against the team that handed them a third grand final defeat.
On the flip side, defending champions Adelaide United also have a point to prove.
After a heavily criticised offseason in regards to recruitment, United started their season away to Newcastle Jets with a less than stellar performance.
The Reds managed to come away with a draw, but it could have been worse if not for some key saves by Skipper Eugene Galekovic.
Both teams have a vastly different look about them compared to five months ago, but the stakes remain the same.
Key Battle – Adelaide’s attack vs Wanderers’ defence
The derby was disastrous for the Wanderers’ back four. Aritz Borda received his marching orders on debut, while Robbie Cornthwaite and Brendan Hamill struggled.
Cornthwaite, in particular, struggled to contain the movement of Bobo up front, and he will be tested again on his return home to Adelaide as he goes up against Sergi Guardiola.
Though Adelaide’s goal against the Jets last week came in opportunistic fashion, there were positive signs from the front three.
Henrique and Sergio Cirio looked dangerous on the wings and will punish if the Wanderers full-backs are caught up the pitch as much as they were last Saturday.
The movement of Adelaide’s attacking trio will mean the Wanderers defence will need to be on their toes if they do not want derby repeat.
Team News
For the home side, there is no room for recent signing Taylor Regan and no outs to the side from round one.
Mark Ochieng has been promoted, joined by viral sensation Danny Choi.
Borda’s suspension and the departure of captain Nikolai Topor-Stanely will likely mean Jonathan Aspropotamitis will get a start alongside Cornthwaite at centre-back for the Wanderers.
Shannon Cole, Jack Clisby and Jacob Melling have all been promoted to the side with two still to be omitted.
Head-to-Head
Of the last six matches between the two, Adelaide has only lost once, way back in April 2015 when Tomi Juric and Mark Bridge provided the goals.
Adelaide own the better head to head record with five wins out of 12, while the Wanderers have won three.
There have been four draws between the two, with all three of last season’s regular season matches ending in draws.
Previous Meeting
There is no need for reminders what happened the last two times they met.
But for those unaware, Adelaide triumphed 3-1 to secure their first A-League championship.
Goals from Brue Kamau, Isaias and Pablo Sanchez secured the win, while Scott Neville hit the back of the net for the Red and Black.
Prediction
If the last few matches are anything to go by, a draw is the safe bet.
Expect an improved performance at the back for the Wanderers.
Adelaide United 1 Western Sydney Wanderers 1
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