Adelaide United vs Auckland City – News and Probable Lineups

Adelaide United is set to face Auckland on Friday in the second leg of the A-League semi-final at Hindmarsh Stadium.

Both teams understand that this is a must-win fixture following their 1-1 draw from the prior match last weekend.

Match overview

Adelaide comes into this match riding high after a successful season in the A-League, securing second place, and their draw in the first leg means they are currently unbeaten in their last eleven league matches.

This marks a significant turnaround from their previous season, where they finished sixth, and prior to that, eighth, showcasing the progress they have made since the 2023/24 season.

The home side will be optimistic about improving on their last encounter with Auckland at home, which ended in a draw, knowing that a victory is essential for them to advance, either within the usual 90 minutes or through extra time and penalties.

Supporters are likely feeling confident their team can secure a win, as the Reds have maintained an undefeated home record since February 20, when they were defeated by Perth Glory.

Auckland topped the A-League last year but failed to clinch the title, having been eliminated at the semi-final stage of the playoffs by Melbourne Victory.

Consequently, the team from Nova Zelândia is determined to advance further this year and reach the final by defeating Adelaide, hoping to capture the title this season.

The visitors aim to extend an unbeaten streak of five matches away from home. Their last defeat on the road in an A-League fixture came on January 31 against Perth Glory.

That said, supporters may have concerns regarding the visitors’ overall performance, as they have not secured a win in their last six matches.

Team News

Adelaide will be uplifted by the return of Luka Jovanovic, who was absent for the first leg due to suspension.

However, the Australian squad will be missing Ajak Riak, Dylan Pierias, Ryan Kitto, and Jake Najdoxi.

Auckland will miss Guillermo May for the semi-final, as he is dealing with a syndesmosis injury he sustained in the previous match.

The absence of their key striker adds to their injury list, with Oliver Sail, Oliver Middleton, Jake Brimer, and Luis Felipe Gallegos also unavailable.

Adelaide United probable starting XI:

Smits; Barnett, Vriends, Kikianis, Dukuly; White, Duzel, Alagich; Crawford, Yull, Jovanovic

Auckland FC probable starting XI:

Woud; Sakai, Hall, Girdwood-Reich, Elliot; Verstraete, Howieson, Randall, Brook; Cosgrove, Rogerson

Playing at home, Adelaide is expected to have the upper hand against Auckland, who has struggled in recent weeks. The injury to May alongside Jovanovic’s return could be pivotal in determining the outcome of this match.