This was published 7 years ago
The lowdown: Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
By Dominic Bossi
Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Friday, 7.50pm, Coopers Stadium, Adelaide
Live on Fox Sports 505 and SBS 2
Five to watch
1. Jumpei Kusukami
The best on the park for the Wanderers in their derby-day humiliation. Fast, technical, skilful and creative, Kusukami promises to entertain fans and torment defenders.
2. Sergi Guardiola
The Spaniard impressed on debut for the Reds last week with a more technical performance than centre forwards of the past, but much is still expected from the former Granada striker.
3. Kerem Bulut
He should have scored twice against his former club in the derby last week but there was still plenty of promise from the fast and aggressive striker.
4. Isaias
The Wanderers will still have nightmares about the Spaniard's performance in the grand final, where his superb passing and brilliance from set pieces tormented Western Sydney.
5. Nico Martinez
The nimble Argentine playmaker showed glimpses of brilliance in his appearance off the bench in the derby and will be one step better with added fitness.
Key battle
Tarek Elrich v Jumpei Kusukami
One of the best defenders in the league against one of the most promising imports makes for a classic battle that could decide the outcome. Elrich is back to his best now fit, while Kusukami is still growing into his new surroundings. The Wanderers looked to their winger for inspiration in the derby meaning fringe Soccerooo Elrich will be given the task of nullifying their most important attacking weapon.
In the dugout
Guillermo Amor
The A-League-winning coach is keeping the same formula for the side that brought the South Australians so much success last year, but new personnel in key positions isn't translating to instant success for the Reds.
Tony Popovic
Defence remains an uncharacteristic problem for the Wanderers as a 4-0 thrashing on the opening day and the abrupt departure of captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley to the Middle East puts Popovic under some early pressure.