Veart set to make waves as Reds prepare to reintegrate key player for pivotal showdown

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart acknowledges that he will be implementing frequent changes to ensure his players remain ‘on their toes’ as they strive to catch the leaders, Auckland FC, before the end of the season.

The Reds currently find themselves in third position on the table, trailing the Black Knights by eight points after they managed to salvage a draw against the league leaders in Round 21.

The draw, courtesy of a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser from defender Bart Vriends, spared Veart’s squad from suffering a third consecutive defeat in the Isuzu UTE A-League. With this in mind, the head coach plans to shake things up in pursuit of maximising points as the season draws to a close.

Next up for the Reds is a vital home encounter against strugglers Brisbane Roar on Saturday afternoon, with Ruben Zadkovich’s side managing only one win throughout the season so far.

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“Yes, there will be some changes,” Veart stated during his pre-match media conference.

“I’ve made it clear to the squad. In the last eight matches, I’ll be making changes each week.

“We need to keep all the boys alert, as we have to perform at our best every game in order to secure maximum points.”

Key central defender Panagiotis Kikianis will return for the Round 22 showdown with Brisbane Roar.

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Fresh from claiming the AFC U20 Asian Cup title with the Young Socceroos, Kikianis will immediately reintegrate into an Adelaide defence that has conceded nine goals since his absence.

“Yes, Pana will be back in. He’s a crucial part of our team, and we’ve definitely missed that level of composure at the back.

“Despite being a young player, he brings a sense of calm and the passing skills that align with our preferred playing style.”

He added: “We don’t want to concede as many goals as we have, but we’re not changing our approach.

“We aim to be an attacking team that scores goals, and at times this strategy does leave us a bit vulnerable at the back. I’m prepared to accept that, as long as we outscore our opponents.”

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Wing-back Dylan Pierias is also looking to return to the starting lineup.

The 25-year-old has been a standout for the Reds since his transfer from Western Sydney in the off-season, contributing three goals and three assists from a deeper position, but has missed the last two matches due to illness.

Further good news for Veart is that forward Luka Jovanovic and midfielder Jonny Yull are also available for selection following their time with the Young Socceroos. Additionally, experienced midfielder Stefan Mauk could be in line to start after coming off the bench against Auckland.

After this weekend’s home fixture against Brisbane, Adelaide will face three of the current top six teams in the upcoming seven matches leading to the season’s conclusion.