Thu 25th Jan 2007

Adelaide United FC will go into Sunday’s first Semi-Final leg against Melbourne Victory full of confidence after coming off of two big wins against last season’s finalists Sydney FC and the Central Coast.

The Reds finished second 12 points behind the Victory on the Hyundai A-League table but United have the better form going into the game with Melbourne winless since Round 18.

Coach John Kosmina has kept things unchanged at training leading up to the game, and believes his team has been gathering momentum at the right time. “We’re just ticking over at the moment. We will just do what we did at training last week and the week before, we’ve been playing some good football,” Kosmina said.

With virtually a full squad at his disposal, Kosmina will have a tough task of deciding on the best combination to dismantle the Victory. Carl Veart returns after being rested and Jason Spagnuolo may also be considered as he recovers from a calf injury. Greg Owens will miss the game as he serves a one game suspension.

United’s defence will have to be on its game to stop Melbourne’s attacking options, the Victory containing the Hyundai A-League’s two top goal scorers Daniel Allsopp (11 goals) and Archie Thompson (10 goals).

Melbourne Victory has only beaten Adelaide United twice in their previous eight meetings, both coming this season.

The winner over the two semi-final legs goes straight into the grand final while the loser will play the winner of the Newcastle Jets vs. Sydney FC semi-final.

With a lot of distractions coming from across the border this week with billboards and Melbourne media talk, Kosmina’s men will hopefully be the ones doing the talking on the field on Sunday.

SEMI-FINAL, FIRST LEG – HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE
ADELAIDE UNITED FC SQUAD VERSES MELBOURNE VICTORY
HINDMARSH STADIUM, ADELAIDE
SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2007 – KICK OFF 5.30PM (CDST)

daniel beltrame (gk)
richie alagich
kristian rees
angelo costanzo
michael valkanis
ross aloisi (capt)
carl veart
matthew kemp
fernando
travis dodd
nathan burns
bobby petta
robbie bajic
jason spagnuolo
bruce djite
diego