The Reds have been the comeback kings all season long, but can they transfer their regular season heroics into the finals?
Make no mistake about it, Adelaide United have been the most entertaining side to watch this season.
Adelaide have conceded the first goal 15 times this season, yet they have staggeringly turned six of those games into wins and four into draws, boasting a 6-4-5 record when conceding first.
It’s an all-or-nothing formula that has worked all season long, as the Reds topped off a brilliant regular season with a fourth-placed finish.
Adelaide then made a statement to the rest of the competition in their home elimination final against Central Coast Mariners.
The Mariners have had the wood over Adelaide this season, with a 3-0 win in March, and – apart from a last-second screamer by Nestory Irankunda – the Mariners should’ve had a point from their game at Coopers in February.
But the Reds dispatched the Mariners in a convincing 3-1 victory.
To win the league, you must go through the best. And Adelaide will waste no time as they face the defending champions in Melbourne City in the semi-finals, and the Reds should have no fear.
Adelaide have given City the fits this season, with two come-from-behind 2-2 draws and most recently an impressive (come-from-behind, again) 2-1 victory over City in hostile territory.
The Reds have a proven track record against the best in the business, and with the A-League Men’s new two-legged semi-final format, the Reds can set themselves up with a huge win at home on Wednesday.
But to win a championship, playing your best football at the perfect time is the most important thing.
And the Reds just so happen to be on a league-best six-game win streak with their troops returning.
Adelaide have had players in and out of their side all season long, with long-term injuries to crucial players such as Kusini Yengi and Michael Jakobsen, but both are back and available for selection.
So, let’s not over complicate this.
Adelaide United is the most in-form team in the league, with no major injuries and a never-say-die attitude.
This team can go all the way.
Featured image credit: Jordan Trombetta
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