Adelaide United fullback Tarek Elrich says Wanderers will be ‘revved up’ for weekend clash

ADELAIDE United boss Guillermo Amor says Western Sydney Wanderers counterpart Tony Popovic would have endured a tough fall-out from successive grand final and derby humiliations.

Sergi Guardiola at Adelaide United training.

ADELAIDE United boss Guillermo Amor says Western Sydney Wanderers counterpart Tony Popovic would have endured tough fallout from successive grand final and derby humiliations.

The Wanderers were humbled 3-1 in last season’s A-League grand final by Amor’s men, then rolled 4-0 by Sydney FC in last Saturday night’s derby opener at ANZ Stadium.

However, Barcelona legend Amor doesn’t buy into the revenge theme, with the 2015-16 grand finalists dramatically recast. Just six Reds and four Wanderers remain from the units of a memorable May A-League decider that attracted 50,000 fans to Adelaide Oval.

“We are expecting a difficult game. Western Sydney is strong but have changed a lot of players in the squad. They lost the last game against Sydney 4-0, so for them, I think this week would have been difficult,” said Amor, referring to Popovic and respected Spanish lieutenant Andres Carrasco.

“Popovic and Andres are professionals and will prepare with everything.”

Sergi Guardiola at Adelaide United training.

Former Barcelona striker Sergi Guardiola had just 10 days to acclimatise for his Reds debut against Newcastle Jets on Sunday but will enjoy his Friday night home unveiling at Coopers Stadium. Former Socceroo James Holland will be better for the run in a 1-1 draw at Hunter Stadium, noted Reds right back Tarek Elrich.

“Having only a week-and-a-half of training, you saw their quality and they add a different dynamic,” said Elrich of Guardiola and Holland.

Of concern to the visitors is a defence that has leaked at least three goals in each of its past three A-League games.

“Their No. 1 focus will be defence and making sure they are solid and working together and not conceding four goals again,” said former Socceroos defender Elrich.

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Popovic’s men, notoriously slow starters with one win in five season-openers, face an exacting road trip after post-derby soul searching.

“Knowing Popa, having played under him they will come out firing and they’re probably glad it is a short turnaround,” said Elrich.

“It is never good losing in a massive derby, especially by that scoreline. Popovic will have them revved up for this game.”

Super-sub Brendon Santalab’s on a hot streak of five goals in his past five games, including the grand final loss to Adelaide.

Elrich backed stoppers Iacoppo LaRocca, Dylan McGowan and left-back Ben Garuccio to shut down a Wanderers outfit which has yet to conquer Adelaide in five games in Adelaide.