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Adelaide Utd receive timely A-League boost

3 minute read

George Blackwood and Paul Izzo have been cleared to return from injury as Adelaide United prepare to host the Western Sydney Wanderers.

JORDAN ELSEY of Adelaide United competes with Adam Le Fondre of Sydney FC during theA-League match between Adelaide United and Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide, Australia.
JORDAN ELSEY of Adelaide United competes with Adam Le Fondre of Sydney FC during theA-League match between Adelaide United and Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide, Australia. Picture: James Elsby/Getty Images

Adelaide United will be boosted by the return of at least two key players from injury as they look to extend Western Sydney Wanderers' A-League misery at Coopers Stadium.

Reds coach Gertjan Verbeek confirmed striker George Blackwood and goalkeeper Paul Izzo would play on Friday night, while Jordan Elsey could be promoted back into the starting line-up to help combat the height of towering Wanderers marquee striker Alexander Meier.

However, there is still no date set for star playmaker Riley McGree's comeback from a knee injury and Norwegian attacker Kristian Opseth (adductor) remains on the sidelines.

Verbeek criticised his players' poor mentality and lack of focus after last week's shock defeat to lowly Central Coast, which saw the Reds slip to fifth on the ladder.

But the Dutch manager said the simple solution was for Adelaide to "switch on" against a Western Sydney side that will be desperate to register their first win since October.

"That's to do with mindset, and that's also a process," Verbeek said.

"Are you believing in what you are doing? The biggest problem for the players is always, 'Can I be in the moment?'

"They have to be switched on tomorrow and they have to help each other.

"There has to be some leaders in the team, mostly the older players, who wake them up when they're not (switched on)."

Verbeek sees similarities between the Reds and Wanderers, with both sides seemingly devoid of confidence at times in recent weeks despite remaining in the finals race.

"You need only one game to perform well again to get the confidence back," Verbeek said.

"They have to get points together, so I think they will come here to get three points."

The temperature is forecast to reach 39C in Adelaide on Friday and is likely to remain well above 30C when the match kicks off at 7.30pm (AEST).

Verbeek has previously slammed A-League officials for allowing matches to go ahead in dangerous conditions, but conceded the decision was out of his hands.

"It's the same as the other team but they have to travel," Verbeek said.

"We are in an environment at home and everybody likes at home more than being in a hotel.

"We are lucky in this period because it doesn't affect us with the family days."

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