Preview: Avondale FC v Adelaide City

Following a spirited comeback attempt that ultimately fell short against Broadmeadow Magic in Newcastle, Adelaide City turns its attention to a Round One rematch against Sinisa Cohadzic’s Avondale FC, its second of three consecutive away games.

Reflecting on the 3-2 loss at Broadmeadow, Parhas lamented uncharacteristic mistakes while also praising the individual brilliance of Magic striker Luis Lara Delgado.

“Unfortunately, there were some sort of isolated errors, which probably cost us points in the end,” shared Parhas.

“When you concede early goals, it changes the game for sure, but in saying that, sometimes you also have to tip your hat, and their first goal was a moment of individual brilliance from Delgado, their number nine; sometimes there's not much you can do, and you just have to acknowledge the goal but that's football.”

Despite a disappointing loss, Parhas was pleased with a more composed performance on the ball.

“I thought we dominated the majority of the game. We definitely dominated possession and had our chances to get some points. I think we deserved far more than a loss.”

Going three goals down away from home after a tough start to the group stage can easily become a point where players become disheartened. Instead, Parhas was proud of his team’s response, fighting back and coming close to claiming a point from such a deficit, an attitude that he is confident will serve them well in their remaining games.

“[The response] was absolutely encouraging, and that's why I am just so proud of them because this group doesn't ever say die; they just don't. That was another perfect example of it.

“To be honest, it just never felt like a 3-0 game. It never felt like a reflection of how the game was played.“

A first interstate game was admittedly a learning experience for both Parhas and his team, but he is confident the experience will serve his group well on its next away trip, where they face Avondale FC after an enthralling, high-scoring draw in Round One.

Avondale claimed two points on the opening matchday of the competition, but losses at home to Broadmeadow and away to APIA have raised eyebrows after an uncharacteristically sluggish start for the NPL Victoria Champions.

Despite their disappointing results, Parhas remains wary of a talented side still finding its feet under a new coach.

“I still think personnel-wise that they're probably the strongest team in the group,” Parhas shared on Avondale’s quality.

“They are now three games in with a new coach and his philosophy and that’s going to hold them in good stead. I know they didn't get a great result against APIA, who are an exceptional side, so we have to be wary of a team that's probably had their pride dented a bit and are going to come out at home raring to right the wrongs of that game.”

Both sides enter Round Four of the Australian Championship group stage having collected their only points in their Round One meeting.

Parhas is a realist and understands this clash could end one team's hopes of advancing to the Quarter-Finals. He expects both teams' desperation to add to the spectacle on the field.

“It's becoming do-or-die stuff now; both teams have to put everything on the line if they want to stay in the competition and progress to the next round.

“You'll have two sides that probably can't afford to sit back and hope for one point; both teams have to go at it. I expect them to be all guns blazing and even more of a challenge than what they were in Round One.”

Adelaide City’s clash with Avondale FC kicks off on Sunday 8th of November at 2:30 PM Adelaide time and can be watched live and free on SBS On Demand.