Utility Shannon Cole will step in for suspended fullback Jerome Polenz when the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers take on Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Utility Shannon Cole will step in for suspended fullback Jerome Polenz when the NRMA Insurance Western Sydney Wanderers take on Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The versatile Cole has played at right fullback for the Wanderers several times before and is expected to move seamlessly into the role.
Coach Tony Popovic said he had full confidence in Cole and he was likely to get the nod over the other defensive options.
“We have some good options in defence and we will more than likely bring Shannon Cole into that position who has done a great job for us wherever he was required and I am sure he will fill in that role very well,” Popovic said.
Polenz was sent off in the first twelve minutes again Melbourne Heart last week leaving the team with ten men.
Instead of sitting back, the Wanderers pressed and dominated Heart earning a decisive 1-0 win.
Popovic said that effort did sap energy out of the team.
“It took a lot out of the players and we curtailed training to take that into consideration,” he said.
“We had a lighter first three days of training after that and then we picked it up a bit.
“The players are fit, strong, hungry and motivated and they want to keep this run going and do that in Adelaide.”
Adelaide beat the Wanderers at Hindmarsh in Round Two 1-0 before they travelled to Parramatta in Round Twelve and were humbled by the Hyundai A-League-s new boys.
Mark Bridge scored a hat-trick when the home team went on a 6-1 rampage.
“We were ruthless in front of goal and we would love to produce that again,” Popovic said of the last clash.
“Their manager has left and we are expecting a real reaction from them and we really need to be on our game and be prepared for a tough encounter.
“If we do that and perform the way we have recently we give ourselves a good chance to come away with the points.”
