sidelined

With Sydney knocked out and Melbourne back in touch we come to the penultimate stage of this finals series: perennial (well… this far) finals chokers Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets at Hindmarsh, who steam in breathless after last weeks’ decisive smashing of inaugural champs Sydney FC.

Meaningless stats:In their previous matches these two sides have managed a four-goal-per-game average, the highest for the league, with Adelaide having the best of it by four games to two. Their last clash saw Adelaide just in front, 3-2.

Newcastle have lost Jade North to suspension, he’ll most likely be replaced by Steve Eagleton at rightback and Andrew Durante to be paired with Okon at centreback. There are some injury clouds over Mark Bridge and Stu Musialik but they appear to be light fog. Newcastle are flushed with attacking options upfront, with Bridge, Rodriguez, Coveney and Griffiths vying for a start. I wouldn’t be too surpised if Eagleton eschews Rodriguez for Coveney for the opener.

Adelaide will be desperately hoping the Flying Mullet (a.k.a. Jason Spagnuolo) will be fit to take left-wing duties back from Nathan Burns, who looks much more comfortable (and effective) up front, but Kosmina is unlikely to take that gamble. If such is the case, Adelaide’s central midfield combo of Diego Walsh and Ross Aloisi, denuded by the loss of Petta and the Mullet may again struggle to create anything against a strong Newcastle back four, who arrive boosted by last week’s thorough dismissal of Sydney’s forwards.

This match pits desperation and home advantage against inspiration and momentum. The former pair worked for Ernie Merrick’s squad last week and the stakes are even higher for John Kosmina this time around but will it be enough to see off the Jets?