Newcastle may have been handed a short-term financial reprieve by Football Federation Australia during the week, but they won’t be getting any handouts from the A-League’s form side when they take on Adelaide at Hindmarsh Stadium on Saturday night.
Dutchman Rini Coolen has breathed new life into the reds’ squad since taking over from Aurelio Vidmar just over one month out from the start of the season. Boom youngster Matthew Leckie and silky import Marcos Flores have been the primary benefactors of Coolen’s direct, possession-based approach, and the pair have formed a formidable understanding in recent weeks.
United Big man Sergio Van Dijk marked his return from a two-week injury lay-off with a double in Adelaide’s 3-1 win over Sydney FC last weekend, and he will be keen to find the net in front of what should be a strong crowd in the city of churches. The embattled Jets dug deep at home last Sunday to grind out a 0-0 draw with Brisbane Roar, but they will need to be even more steeled against the reds if they hope to get a result.
Newcastle have scored just one goal so far this season and may well fail to trouble the scorers on Saturday night. Adelaide are paying 1.80 for the win, which is the smart bet in this one.