Adelaide look a stronger proposition this season

A-League
BT Sport 1, 9.50am Friday

Adelaide had a tough time last season – they finished just one point off the foot of the A-League table - but they have taken four points from two away games this term and are value to win their opening home fixture against Melbourne Victory.

There have been several changes at Adelaide during the off-season with experienced German manager Marco Kurz and eight new players coming into the club.

And Adelaide's new-look side have made a positive start, drawing 1-1 at Wellington Phoenix and winning 2-1 at Brisbane Roar.

Danish attacker Johan Absalonsen found the net in both matches and seems to have added an extra dimension to a side, who were the lowest scorers last season with 25 goals in 27 matches.

United are also looking much stronger at the back thanks to the loan addition of Turkish centre-back Ersan Adem from Chinese side Hebei Fortune.

Ersan spent six years of his career at Besiktas and has the pedigree to be one of the best defenders in the division.

While Adelaide are progressing nicely, Melbourne Victory have gone backwards since last season's second-place finish.

They lost a key player when attacking midfielder Marco Rojas, scorer of 12 goals in 23 league appearances last season, was transferred to Dutch outfit Heerenveen and the Victory have made a poor start to the campaign with home defeats to Sydney FC (1-0) and Melbourne City (2-1).

Demanding manager Kevin Muscat will no doubt turn them around at some point but the trip to Adelaide looks a tough one and the home side are the more likely winners.

Recommendation
Adelaide United
1pt 13-8 general

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