MVFC Blog

The Melbourne Victory meets Adelaide United tonight, in what has been dubbed a “grand final rematch” (just how many times will these two teams play each other before it stops being a grand final rematch?).

Adelaide have a tough game ahead of them. Certainly, they have looked like one of this season’s better prospects so far; but injury and national team duty is forcing coach Aurelio Vidmar to field players who have had little to no game time. The Reds will have to do without strike pair Bruce Djite and Nathan Burns, as well as Paul Agostino, Bobby Petta and Kristian Sarkies.

Adelaide will be particularly hurt by the absence of Djite and Burns, who have looked like the A-League’s most exciting duo this season. The fact that the “back-up” striker, marquee Paul Agostino, is out due to a calf injury, only adds to the frustration. In the absence of these three, striker Dez Giraldi has an opportunity to impress - and with only 93 minutes of game time in two years, Girladi will have plenty of motivation to impress.

The Melbourne Victory, of course, have their own injury problems, after it was confirmed last week that Daniel Piorkowski will be out for up to 12 weeks. Leigh Broxham’s thigh injury keeps him out of the squad for another week as well. And Melbourne will have to do without Grant Brebner, who has picked up a one week suspension thanks to four yellow cards. Reports from the Melbourne camp suggest that Kevin Muscat may miss tonight, but Aurelio Vidmar and myself don’t think this is particularly likely.

Last time we played Adelaide, I was doubtful of a win, tipping a 1-1 draw. Melbourne went into that game without Broxham, Joe Keenan and Archie Thompson, while Adelaide were only missing Djite. After a rather eclectic 2 minutes from Rodrigo Vargas, my tip turned out to be correct.

Tonight, both teams are again hurt by injury and national team duty, but I think Adelaide would be hurting more. Of course, experience has shown that fielding players who haven’t had much opportunity can pay off. I expect Adelaide to come out with an attacking mentality; but in all fairness, this is another game Melbourne can and should win.

My tip: Melbourne 3, Adelaide 1

Your tip?