Date: Sunday 12 February 2012
Kick-off: 5.30pm AEDT, 4.30pm local
Venue: Skilled Park
Head-to-head
Played: 9 Wins: Gold Coast 3, Adelaide 2, Draws: 4
Previous encounter
Gold Coast 3, Adelaide 0, 16 December 2011
History:
There hasn't been much between the two Uniteds in the past, but their last match put Gold Coast in front by a nose in the head-to-head stakes. Goals to Ben Halloran, Maceo Rigters and Dylan Macallister gave the Queensland side a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Hindmarsh Stadium. It was the final straw for the Adelaide board, who brought in John Kosmina as coach and turned Rini Coolen into the most expensive youth coach in Australian football history. Just a few days into his demotion, Coolen understandably quit. Looking ahead, Sunday's match will be the first time Gold Coast will play Adelaide at Skilled Park this season. All three past fixtures between them at the Robina stadium have been draws, but with both sides desperate to dodge the wooden spoon that may change this weekend.
Form:
Past five matches:
Gold Coast: DLLDL
Adelaide: DLDLL
Summary of form:
Life over the past month would have been tough if you're a fan of Gold Coast or Adelaide. They occupy the last two spots on the A-League ladder and, based on their more recent results, there's no indication that is going to change anytime soon. The Coast have had a dreadful campaign, and the worst result yet came on Monday night. A tired, depleted and distracted United side took on Perth and came away on the wrong end of a 4-0 scoreline. With just three wins in total - and none since Boxing Day - they sit in tenth spot, five points behind the Reds but with a game in hand.
Adelaide aren't doing a great deal better. Their winless streak at the moment is six games, but their maddening inconsistency stretches back a great deal further. The return of Kossie brought with it a minor upturn in results but the Reds have since come crashing back down to earth. Having conceded a total of 11 goals in their last six outings, the South Australians haven't kept a clean sheet since the visit of Wellington just before the New Year. All this means they have no real reasons to be confident of victory against the other United.
Match Committee:
The problems keep piling up at Gold Coast United. Maceo Rigters (foot) is the latest addition to the club's bulging injury list, which already includes Dylan Macallister (hamstring), Joel Porter (calf), Chris Broadfoot (foot), Tahj Minniecon (heel), Glen Moss (adductor) and Paul Beekmans (released - compassionate grounds). Fortunately, custodian Jerrad Tyson should be right to resume his spot in goal after overcoming a wrist problem. He played 90 minutes in the NYL on the weekend and recovered well.
For Adelaide, they'll again be without Olyroos trio Antony Golec, Mark Birighitti and Daniel Mullen, while Milan Susak (hamstring), Spase Dilevski (groin) and Jon McKain (knee) will also miss out on the trip to the Glitter Strip.
Danger men:
Kristian Rees - The former Adelaide centre-half has enjoyed something of a career renaissance this term. Rees has started almost every single match for Gold Coast this season, and has been a model of professionalism for the younger players at the club. Rees is a tough customer, but can also play the ball as