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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

The Reds have opened a new chapter with the appointment of former Barcelona coach Josep Gombau, and Al Hain-Cole expects them to maintain their strong record over their rivals

The A-League’s cross-border rivalry is rekindled for the first time this season on Friday, as Melbourne Victory travel to the Hindmarsh Stadium to face Adelaide United.
Having secured a 3-1 win over Perth Glory in his first game in charge, former Barcelona youth coach Josep Gombau is available at 7/5 (2.40) with Coral to further endear himself to his new fans by overseeing a victory in this grudge match.
The Dark Blues were held to a 0-0 draw by local rivals Melbourne Heart in their opener but are available at 8/5 (2.60)to get off to winning ways in another derby game.
Only two of the last 19 encounters between these sides have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 9/4 (3.25) on them cancelling each other out in this one.
After seeing manager John Kosmina leave the club in acrimonious circumstances halfway through last season, the Reds hierarchy took their time in naming a full-time successor.
Gombau finally arrived this summer after an all-conquering spell in Hong Kong, promising to bring tiki-taka to South Australia, and has enjoyed an impressive start to life in the hot seat.