Football
Ben McKay 5y

Kurz wants Adelaide AL fans to be 12th man

Adelaide United coach Marco Kurz believes the Reds need a "perfect" performance to beat Melbourne Victory and insists conditions are right to do it.

United are hoping to cling to fourth spot by defeating their arch-rivals despite the difference in pedigree.

Victory are at full strength, with opposing number Kevin Muscat claiming the return to health of captain Carl Valeri, Terry Antonis and Lawrence Thomas.

While Adelaide can call on Jordan Elsey once more after a foot injury, and Jordy Thomassen is available despite a scare against Melbourne City last week, they are still missing big names.

Baba Diawara and Ryan Strain aren't quite fit, Ken Ilso remains ineligible and Apostolos Stamelopoulos is suspended.

"We need an excellent game. A brilliant game without issues or mistakes," Kurz said, recalling United's 2-0 win over Victory in their last clash.

"In both games we've played against them we've shown we can beat them."

While Victory's visits to South Australia need no extra hyping, this clash matters more than others.

There's the hope of a first finals match in Adelaide since the 2016 grand final.

And then there's the small matter it could be Kurz's last game at United's home ground.

Should the Reds finish lower than fifth, they'll play their finals campaign - as well as round 27 - away from home.

Kurz, confirmed to be leaving the role at season's end, said his players should put that out of their minds and embrace a great atmosphere.

"We will have a fantastic crowd in our stadium. It can be the 12th man tomorrow," he said.

"The weather is fine. It's Good Friday and that means everybody can come to the game.

"Also Victory fight for second position. For both teams its a massive game.

"What can be better? ... if our stadium is packed, we have the best one in Australia."

STATS THAT MATTER

* Adelaide hasn't enjoyed strong results against Victory of late; should they win it will be their first back-to-back defeats of their rivals since 2013.

* United do boast strong home form, winning four of their last six at Coopers Stadium - including two when they trailed at half-time.

* If Adelaide can hang onto their fourth place, they'll host a final for the first time since their 2016 grand final win.

^ Back to Top ^