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Preview: Western United vs. Adelaide United - prediction, team news, lineups

sportsmole.co.uk, 9 February 2023, 20:27
Two teams at opposite ends of the A-League table will meet on Saturday as fourth-placed Adelaide United make the journey to play Western United, who currently sit in 10th.

The hosts saw their three-match undefeated run come to an end last weekend while the visitors were victorious last weekend.

Match preview

Western United had been putting together some strong performances that had showcased that they have the quality needed to get themselves away from the bottom of the A-League table.

A three-match undefeated streak built up some confidence within the team, but that was brought to an end last weekend when they were defeated by Western Sydney Wanderers.

However, even though John Aloisi's men walked away from the match empty-handed, the game only finished 1-0 as the Western Service Crew showcased their qualities once again.

Western United have been much stronger at home throughout this season in comparison to their away performances, and that is something they will be aiming to continue this weekend.

However, the Western Service Crew will want to tighten things up at the back as no other team in the division has conceded more than the 27 goals that they have this season.

The visitors are in a much stronger position right now due to the fact that they sit in fourth, and the fact that a victory could lead to them climbing to second provides plenty of reason for them to push for a victory.

Adelaide United have been undefeated in their previous four outings, showcasing real consistency which has helped them in the league, and that continued last weekend.

Carl Veart's men edged out Brisbane Roar with a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Louis D'Arrigo and Nestory Irankunda, which proved to be another important three points.

That match took place at home which is where the bulk of their success has come from this season, as away from home has provided a vastly different set of results.

Adelaide United have won just a single game on the road so far, conceding more goals in away matches than any other team in the league as well which is something that they need to turnaround with immediate effect.

Western United Australian A-League form:

D

L

D

W

D

L

Adelaide United Australian A-League form:

W

L

D

W

D

W

Team News

Western United will now be without Nicolas Milanovic due to the fact he was sold to Western Sydney Wanderers, which is something the team will now have to adapt to.

Alessandro Diamanti continued to be used as a substitute last weekend, and that is something that is likely going to continue as his impactfulness proves to be important to the team.

The visitors are going to be missing club man Juande for the foreseeable future due to a broken leg that he suffered in their 3-3 draw earlier this month against Melbourne City, and that is something they will be continuing to adapt to.

Irankunda is someone who could end up pushing into the starting XI on Saturday though considering the fact that he score the match-winner last weekend after being a substitute.

Western United possible starting lineup:

Young; Imai, Lacroix, Topor-Stanley, Risdon; Kilkenny, Doumbia; Wales, Troisi, Pain; Botic

Adelaide United possible starting lineup:

Gauci; Lopez, Ansell, Popovic, Kitto; D'Arrigo, Alagich; Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Ibusuki

We say: Western United 1-2 Adelaide United

This is likely going to be a close match despite the difference between them in the league as Western United have been in good form overall as of late.

At home the Western Service Crew tend to provide a stern test for any team, but it is something the visitors should just be able to overcome.

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