Gold Coast United Vs North Queensland Fury: Match Day Two Preview

Saturday, 15 August 2009

Gold Coast United v North Queensland Fury

Skilled Stadium, Robina

Local kick-off 5.30pm

Referee: Chris Beath

The Gold Coast Chavs as they are called by the North Queensland Fury supporters took Australian football on a journey of hubris, hyperbole and hype and it was awesome to watch.

Taking over the Bling chalice from Sydney FC the White Shoe Brigade played with two defenders and eight attackers with keeper Scott Higgins playing as a sweeper when they beat state rivals Brisbane Roar 3-1 last matchday.

The Gold Coast United attack of Shane Smeltz, Joel Porter, Tahj Minniecon, Jason Culina and Milson have the potential to tear the leaky A-League defences apart. During the first game they sometimes got in each others way. Far from being fluid the scene at times replicated a mad woman’s breakfast. It was interesting to see a team play without shape or tactics. Miron Bleiberg 's tactic is that he has no tactic, except for the most obvious; scoring goals. The loss of Adam Griffiths to Saudia Arabia after only one game could see Jason Culina used in a more holding role and may unsettle a winning team even if it was only the first game.

Gold Coast Chavs players to watch: I liked Brazilian and former Flamengo player Milson, his solo 40 meter run then composed finish late in the contest with the Roar was great to watch.

Indigenous and young Socceroo Tahj Minniecon is also an exciting talent with blessed with raw speed and an abundance of natural talent the 20 year old is not scared to take players on.

The North Queensland Fury almost produced the story of the round coming from 2-0 down early in the game to equalise against Sydney FC. Robbie Fowler scored on debut but it wasn’t to be as a penalty by John Aloisi spoilt the opening day party for the Fury. The addition of Socceroo hopeful Shane Stefanutto will help shore up a defence that needs experience.

Fury players to Watch: Robbie Fowler (the old), David Williams (the young) Shane Stefanutto (the new).

Key Battles: North vs South, Unorganised attack vs Unorganised defence. Miron Bleigberg’s enigmatic tactics vs Ian Ferguson surprising squad selections.

A Football Story prediction: Gold Coast 3-1Fury

Gold Coast United Squad: : 20.Scott HIGGINS (gk), 2.Steve PANTELIDIS, 3.Michael THWAITE, 5.ROBSON, 7.Zenon CARAVELLA, 9.Shane SMELTZ, 10.Jason CULINA (capt), 13.Bas VAN DEN BRINK, 14.Joel PORTER, 15.Tahj MINNIECON, 16.Kristian REES, 17.Matt OSMAN, 22.Adama TRAORE, 23.Steve FITZSIMMONS, 30.Jerrad TYSON (gk – yth).*two to be omitted

In: Zenon CARAVELLA (return from groin injury), Adama TRAORE (promoted), Steve FITZSIMMONS (promoted).

Out: Adam GRIFFITHS (not selected), Daniel PIORKOWSKI (groin injury – 1 week), MILSON (groin injury – 1 week).

Unavailable: JEFFERSON (knee injury – 10 weeks), James BROWN (shin injury – 1 week), Jess VANSTRATTAN (ankle injury – 2 weeks)

North Queensland Fury squad: 1. Paul HENDERSON (gk), 2. Robbie MIDDLEBY, 3. Chris TADROSSE, 7. Jason SPAGNUOLO, 8. Shane STEFANUTTO, 9. Robbie FOWLER (c), 11. David WILLIAMS, 12. Jack HINGERT, 13. Beau BUSCH, 14. Chris GROSSMAN, 15. Fred AGIUS, 16.Paul KOHLER, 18. James ROBINSON, 19. Daniel MCBREEN, 20. Justin PASFIELD (gk)

In: 8. Shane STEFANUTTO (new signing)

Out: 17. Osama MALIK (thigh 1-2 weeks)

Unavailable: Jeremy BROCKIE – quadriceps (6-8 weeks), Jacob TIMPANO – hamstring (8weeks), Ufuk TALAY – calf (2-3 weeks), Scott WILSON – foot (6-8 weeks