Adelaide shouldn't have to many concerns in their match against Waitakere United. If they do beat the New Zealand champions they will then face Gamba Osaka in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup. Gamba Osaka are the Japanese team who defeated Adelaide United 5-0 on aggregate in the final of the Asian Champions League(ACL). Despite this result Adelaide are still capable of getting some revenge at the Club World Cup. When Adelaide were defeated in the final of theACL, they had several players who were carrying injuries, or unable to compete due to injury or suspension. Goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic was battling an injury in the first leg of the ACL and could not play the second leg due to suspension. When Adelaide contends in the Club World Cup they should have a full side, free of injuries and suspensions.
It is also worth considering Adelaide United players shouldn't be dealing with the fatigue they would have experienced in the ACL. During the ACL, Adelaide were also competing with a very tight demanding schedule. They were travelling all over Asia whilst also competing in the A-League at home. No doubt, the team would have been feeling worn out by the time they got to theACL final. The side should feel a lot fresher for the Club World Cup.
Defeating Gamba Osaka will certainly be a tough task for Adelaide United. They firstly need to overcome Waitakere to even have that chance. But it definitely isn't out of the question.
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