dugong Posted February 28, 2009 Share Posted February 28, 2009 Melbourne v Adelaide United It's hard to believe but last weekend Adelaide United won their first finals match in 10 attempts beating Queensland Roar 1-0 in the Preliminary Final at Hindmarsh Stadium. The dilemma coach Aurelio Vidmar faces is the fact that Melbourne Victory has beaten his side in all five games contested this season. A 10-man Melbourne won 1-0 at home in round four, 3-2 in Adelaide in round 10 and 1-0 back at the Dome in round 17. It was certainly imposing form in the major semi-final which makes Melbourne deserved favourites having won 2-0 in Adelaide in the first leg and then 4-0 in the return match. History is certainly on the side of Ernie Merrick's team with Adelaide managing to beat the Victory just twice in 14 A-League matches. Melbourne also has the all-time home record of consecutive home victories having won their past seven matches at the Dome. Danny Allsopp (23/13) and Archie Thompson (18/9) have once again led the way but Honduran international midfielder Carlos Hernandez (20/4) is pivotal in midfield and captain Kevin Muscat (23/5) will once again hold the defence together. There's been just one hiccup in Melbourne's last eight games - a 3-2 fall away to Perth Glory on January 11. Adelaide's form in the run home was impressive with just one loss in the last 10 rounds of the regular season before the double blow against Melbourne in the major semi-final. Adelaide has struggled to score away from Hindmarsh Stadium with just four goals coming in the last seven away games. Overall, United has only won three times in 11 away fixtures in the A-League. There's increasing speculation Aurelio Vidmar will use a 4-5-1 formation based on a solid defence and counter-attacking game. This would ensure there would be no repeat of the 6-0 Grand Final drubbing Melbourne handed Adelaide two years ago at the Dome with Archie Thompson producing a record haul of five goals. Vidmar might have paid the price for his unexpected post-match comments the last time these sides met but Melbourne will be better for the one week break while Adelaide was lucky to beat Queensland last weekend. Melbourne to win by two clear goals. my pick : Melbourne Victory -0.75 @ 0.9 gl to all!!:hope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stalker Posted February 28, 2009 Share Posted February 28, 2009 Re: Australia A >> Play Off FINALE (28th Feb) are you http://www.betshoot.com/betting-preview-33672-Melbourne-Adelaide-United ? :unsure Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dugong Posted February 28, 2009 Author Share Posted February 28, 2009 Re: Australia A >> Play Off FINALE (28th Feb) :dude:cow:clap:nana Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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