Elimination Final 1
Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
Kick-off: Saturday, 4.30pm
Referee: Ben Williams
TV: Live, Fox Sports 3; SBS 2 delayed
Radio: 92.5 ABC Central Coast and ABC Grandstand Digital
Head to head: Central Coast 14, Adelaide 8, drawn 6
Twitter: #CCMvADE
Odds: Central Coast $2.35, Draw $3.40, Adelaide United $2.95 (Sportsbet.com.au)
LIKELY TEAMS
Central Coast (4-3-3): Reddy; Rose, Bosnar, Anderson, Roux; Hutchinson, Montgomery, Caceres; Kim, Simon, Fitzgerald
Adelaide United (4-2-3-1): Galekovic; Zullo, Boogaard, McKain, Malik; Isais, Watson; Cirio, Carrusca, Ferreira; Djite
FIVE TO WATCH
1. Matt Simon (Central Coast)
The big, bullocking striker has been throwing his weight around recklessly since returning to Australia, and while the goals haven’t been flowing, his style creates chances for others. However, if he can score, and provide a relentless presence, it’s a huge advantage.
2. Osama Malik (Adelaide United)
This could Malik’s last game to launch himself into the mindset of Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou. Arguably the competition’s most-improved player, some top draw finals’ performances may be needed to get him to Brazil.
3. John Hutchinson (Central Coast)
Suffered one of the unluckiest moments of his career midweek when a harmless incoming cross skewed off his ankle and into the net, giving Seoul a 1-0 victory in the Asian Champions League. The captain will be ever so determined to atone.
4. Marcelo Carrusca (Adelaide United)
On his day, he’s in the league’s top 10 players. He just needs to deliver a touch more consistently for the Reds to get the recognition he deserves. This is a game where they need him to shine.
5. Storm Roux (Central Coast)
The rampaging right-back has enjoyed a breakout season in the A-League but while his marauding runs are frequent, he’ll need cover as Sergio Cirio and Michael Zullo will be looking to exploit any space on the left.
KEY MATCH-UP
Liam Reddy (Central Coast) v Eugene Galekovic (Adelaide United)
Rarely do goalkeepers get much of the acclaim but it’s hard to fault either Reddy or Galekovic on form this season. The pair have saved countless shots – and therefore points – for their sides and while that’s no surprise with Galekovic, Reddy has been his equal in the past month, especially in the Asian Champions League.
IN THE DUGOUT
Phil Moss (Central Coast)
Continues to impress, and perhaps a sign of his development is that nobody is linking his mentor, Graham Arnold, with a return to Gosford. Winning at least one final would have to qualify as a pass mark for the season
Josep Gombau (Adelaide United)
Few coaches would be so celebrated in their first season despite finishing in the bottom half of the table. However, sixth place means they’re still in the finals, and Gombau’s tiki-taka revolution lives to fight another day. The only problem is that finals are a test of results, not style.
