Andrioli Urges Reds to Convert Draws into Wins Against Western Sydney Adelaide United Head Coach Airton Andrioli emphasized the need for the Reds to transform their recent strong performances into decisive victories, particularly in their upcoming match against Western Sydney Wanderers. After three consecutive draws in a tightly contested battle for the top six, Andrioli highlighted the importance of clinical finishing and tactical adjustments to secure maximum points. He acknowledged the team’s consistent high-level football and chance creation but stressed that converting opportunities into goals is critical to advancing their position in the league. Andrioli noted that while the Reds have dominated games and generated numerous chances, the inability to capitalize on key moments has led to the draws. He warned that the Wanderers’ ladder position does not fully reflect their squad’s quality and experience, urging his team to remain focused on their own performance. “Everyone’s desperate to make that top six,” he said. “As it stands, every single team in the league still has a chance to make it, so things are not going to get easier from now on. If we keep going like this… one is not good, two is okay, three is too many. Maybe now it’s time for us to get a result against Western Sydney.” The coach also addressed the challenge of breaking down compact defenses, a recurring issue in recent matches. He explained that teams like Western Sydney often adopt deep, organized blocks, making it difficult to create clear chances. “It’s one of the most difficult things in world football to break down a compact team that plays a deep block,” Andrioli said. “You only need one lapse of concentration and then you get done in transition. It’s difficult for the top teams in the world and it’s difficult for us.#western_sydney_wanderers #adelaide_united #airton_andrioli #anselmo #fiona_worts
Western Sydney Wanderers FC Head coach Gary van Egmond has announced his extended squad for Friday night’s Grassroots Recognition Round match against Adelaide United at CommBank Stadium. The club is set to host the game as part of its celebration of grassroots football, with support from Aussie Broadband. Fans and members can expect an evening combining competitive football, community engagement, and recognition of local clubs that support the Red & Black colors in Western Sydney. The Wanderers enter the match following a 2-2 draw with Brisbane Roar, a result that showcased their resilience after an early goal by Georgios Vrakas. The team responded with two goals from Brandon Borrello and Bozhidar Kraev, demonstrating their attacking flair. The match saw late drama as Niall Thom equalized for the hosts, while Jai Rose’s stoppage-time bicycle kick struck the crossbar, highlighting the team’s determination to secure a positive outcome. The squad list includes key players such as Alex Gersbach, Ryan Fraser, Steven Ugarkovic, Kosta Barbarouses, and Philip Cankar, alongside goalkeepers Lawrence Thomas and Jordan Holmes. Midfielders Jarrod Carluccio, Jacob Farrell, and Aydan Hammond are also in the lineup, with forwards like Anthony Pantazopoulos and Bozhidar Kraev expected to play pivotal roles. Defender Nate Barrie and winger Josh Brillante round out the attacking options. Injury returns and promotions add depth to the squad, with Dylan Scicluna (back from suspension) and Ruon Tongyik (promoted from the reserves) included in the matchday roster. The match against Adelaide United is critical for the Wanderers as they aim to build momentum ahead of the season’s key fixtures.#western_sydney_wanderers_fc #gary_van_egmond #adelaide_united #commbank_stadium #grassroots_recognition_round
Wellington Phoenix Face First Away Trip Under Interim Coach The Wellington Phoenix are set to travel to Adelaide United for their first away match under interim coach Chris Greenacre. The game, scheduled for Friday night, marks a significant challenge for the team, which currently sits at the bottom of the A-League table. Adelaide, meanwhile, are in strong form, occupying fourth place on the ladder. Despite the odds, the visitors will look to draw inspiration from their previous encounters with the hosts, where they secured a win and a draw this season. Greenacre expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to compete at Coopers Stadium, one of the most vocal venues in the league. "I'd probably rephrase it, it's a place you want to go on a Friday night," he said. The coach emphasized the importance of playing in high-energy environments, particularly for the younger players in his squad. "These are the games you want to play in, where the crowd are close to the pitch, the atmosphere is electric," he added. Greenacre highlighted the need for his team to embrace the challenge and create a positive impact despite the pressure. However, the Phoenix face a setback ahead of the match with captain Alex Rufer suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season during their previous game against Sydney. Rufer, a key leader both on and off the field, brings consistency and patience to the team, qualities that will be missed. Greenacre acknowledged the absence but stressed that it presents an opportunity for other players to step up. "It's a great opportunity for everyone grinding in together and making sure we have a positive impact," he said. The team also hopes to welcome back Tim Payne from a hamstring injury and top scorer Ifeanyi Eze, who is set to return from suspension.#wellington_phoenix #chris_greenacre #alex_rufer #adelaide_united #ifeanyi_eze
Squads named for Wellington Phoenix men’s A-League game in Adelaide Wellington Phoenix has confirmed its squad for Friday night’s A-League match against Adelaide United, with key players All White Tim Payne and leading goalscorer Ifeanyi Eze set to return to the team. Payne will make his first appearance since recovering from an injury, while Eze will resume action after serving a one-match suspension. Interim head coach Chris Greenacre has opted not to include captain Alex Rufer, who is suspended following a yellow card received in last weekend’s game against Sydney. The match will take place at Coopers Stadium in Adelaide and will be broadcast live by Sky Sport 4. Adelaide United’s squad includes 17 players, with two set to be omitted. The team features players such as Bart Vriends, Panagiotis Kikianis, and Ryan Kitto, among others. Austin Ayoubi has been added to the squad, replacing Bailey O’Neil, who is omitted. Craig Goodwin and Dylan Pierias are unavailable due to long-term injuries, while other players like Ethan Cox and Sotiri Phillis are listed as available. The squad also includes players like Yaya Dukuly and Joshua Smits, with Brody Burkitt and Panashe Madanha among the substitutes. Wellington Phoenix’s squad consists of 20 players, with two set to be omitted. Goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi and defenders Corban Piper and Manjrekar James are among the starters. Tim Payne and Ifeanyi Eze are included, with Payne returning from injury and Eze coming back from suspension. Anaru Cassidy has been promoted to the squad, while Alex Rufer and Xuan Loke are omitted. Players like Sarpreet Singh and Nathan Walker are unavailable due to injuries, and Eamonn McCarron is also omitted.#wellington_phoenix #chris_greenacre #adelaide_united #ifeanyi_eze #tim_payne
Wellington Phoenix Set for High-Stakes A-League Clash Against Adelaide United The Wellington Phoenix will make their first trip to Adelaide this Friday night as they prepare to face Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium. Head coach Chris Greenacre expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, highlighting the electric atmosphere of the venue and the importance of delivering a strong performance in front of a passionate crowd. The match, scheduled for 9:35 PM local time, will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 4 in New Zealand and Paramount+ in Australia. Greenacre emphasized the significance of playing in a stadium known for its lively environment, calling it “a place you want to go on a Friday night.” He praised the fans’ proximity to the pitch and the intensity of the atmosphere, framing it as an ideal setting for young players to gain experience. “These are the games you want to play in,” he said, adding that the team’s focus is on turning the crowd’s energy into momentum. The coach acknowledged Adelaide’s strength at home but stressed the importance of executing their gameplan to shift the match’s dynamics. The Phoenix’s recent 1-0 loss to Sydney FC was a setback for Greenacre, but he pointed to positive aspects of the performance, such as moments of control and creativity. “We reviewed the Sydney game, and while there were areas to improve, we highlighted the parts where the team excelled,” he explained. The quick turnaround before facing Adelaide meant limited preparation time, but Greenacre viewed it as an opportunity to build confidence and maintain focus. Player availability presents mixed challenges for the Phoenix. Captain Alex Rufer, suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, will miss the match, leaving a leadership gap.#wellington_phoenix #chris_greenacre #adelaide_united #ifeanyi_eze #coopers_stadium
Phoenix coach Chris Greenacre: ‘These are the games you want to play’ The Wellington Phoenix will face their first cross-country match of the season under new head coach Chris Greenacre on Friday night, as they travel to Adelaide to take on the high-flying Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium. The Nix will look to build on their previous results against the Reds, having secured a win and a draw in their two prior encounters this campaign. Greenacre expressed enthusiasm for the challenge of playing at one of the A-League’s most electric venues, emphasizing the importance of such matches for developing players. “I’d probably rephrase it, it’s a place you want to go on a Friday night,” Greenacre said ahead of the game. “I’m a big fan of Friday night football. Coopers Stadium has a great atmosphere; it’s often bouncing. We’re really excited by the challenge. You stress to the young players that these are the games you want to play in—where the crowd is close to the pitch, the atmosphere is electric. These are the environments you want to play in.” Greenacre acknowledged the frustration of last week’s 1-0 loss to Sydney FC but highlighted the positives from the performance. “Obviously, things don’t change overnight. We reviewed the Sydney game, and there were parts of the match I was really pleased with, while there were other areas we need to improve. In such a short timeframe, it’s important to show the players the stuff you were really pleased with. They can see that if we do get it right, we have the opportunity to create chances. It’s about giving them confidence to execute.” The coach added that the team’s gameplan against Adelaide will focus on replicating the positive aspects from the Sydney match while addressing weaknesses.#wellington_phoenix #chris_greenacre #adelaide_united #coopers_stadium #tim_payne
