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Leroy George of the Victory in action against Adelaide United in February.
By TAS MAVRIDIS
The 2017-18 A-League finals continue tonight at AAMI Park.
Second Elimination Final: Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United
The original rivalry is finally back on the finals stage. After several post-season meetings including two Grand Finals in the early years of the A-League, history says that this game will be an intense clash, perfect for finals football.
The Victory finished the season in fourth to gain home ground advantage but the season has been disappointing for Kevin Muscat’s men.
Adelaide suffered inconveniently timed injuries to key players, however with many key men coming back this game is perfectly poised.
Both sides won two of their last three matches, both losing to Sydney FC in the run home.
Last time they met
Round 21: Melbourne Victory 3 Adelaide United 0 at AAMI Park in Melbourne
The Victory dominated this match up with playmaker Leroy George at his influential best.
The A-League results have been split with the sides recording one win each as well as a draw in round 3, however United have the edge with an FFA Cup win early in the season over the Victory.
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Johan Absalonsen of Adelaide challenges Raul Llorente of the Wanderers last week.
Tactical preview
Like many sides in the A-League, the Victory prefer to play with a lone striker (Besart Berisha) with wide players Leroy George, James Troisi and Kosta Barbarouses providing attacking support.
The transfer of Jason Geria to Japan’s J2 League has left the Victory playing central defender Thomas Deng and utility Leigh Broxham in the wide defensive positions.
In midfield the Victory have several options in Terry Antonis, Carl Valeri and Matias Sanchez, while up front the improved form of striker Kenny Athiu has been timely with young winger Christian Theoharous also a valuable asset off the bench.
Adelaide on the other hand prefer to line up with a flat 4-3-3, either George Blackwood or Baba Diawara occupying the central positions while Johan Absalonsen, Nikola Mileusnic and Ryan Kitto occupy the wider positions.
The return of Absalonsen has been important, the Dane starting the season in impressive fashion before going down with an injury.
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Terry Antonis of Melbourne Victory in control against Wellington Phoenix this month.
Key matchups
Leroy George v Michael Marrone
The Melbourne Victory winger has been an unbelievable signing for the Victory, scoring 8 goals and recording a league-best 13 assists.
Marrone will have the initial job of stopping the Dutchman, however with George’s desire to move across the lines, it will require a full team effort to stop him.
Furthermore, George’s ability from the dead ball will provide further headaches for the Reds with his set piece delivery proving valuable.
Terry Antonis vs Daniel Adlung
Victory’s mid-season recruit Antonis has slowly improved and now appears to have locked down a place in central midfield.
Like the first final, the team who can gain control in the midfield is likely to win the game.
Antonis’ ability to win the ball and set up either one of his wingers or advance the ball to James Troisi will be crucial in ensuring the Victory can shift the ball quickly.
Adelaide’s midfield including Daniel Adlung will have to ensure that Antonis doesn’t have time on the ball to do his thing.
However with Adlung coming into the finals after scoring a scintillating goal, the Victory midfield will have to be wary to not give him time on the ball.
Final prediction
Melbourne’s experience and class in midfield should see the home side have the majority of scoring opportunities on the night. Victory to win 2-1.