The Roar are yet to defeat United in their three games at Suncorp Stadium in the Hyundai A-League and the Reds will try to keep that record intact.

United go into the game confident of a first up win after their Pre-Season Cup triumph but Coach Aurelio Vidmar knows the challenge the Roar will pose to his team.

“They’re a very good side and you would probably tip them to be in the top three this season so it will be a test for us,” said Vidmar.

“We’ve had a decent pre season but we’ve got a long way to go. We’re expecting a tough game, expecting it to be physical but I think the key point for us is that we need to match that intensity.”

Vidmar has named a squad of 17 for the match, which includes strike pair Nathan Burns and Bruce Djite, who will fly into Brisbane to meet the team after returning from Iran on Olyroos (Australian U/23) duty. After a heavy training and travel schedule, Vidmar is wary of the duo’s workload.

“We just have to wait and see with Bruce and Nathan, they’ve got a long flight back to Australia and we’ll assess them when we get to Brisbane,” he said.

One player Vidmar knows will be keen to go is striker Paul Agostino who made a successful return from a foot injury.

While Vidmar signalled that Agostino will not start the match, United’s marquee signing is excited about being part of the Hyundai A-League.

“It’s great and it’s a good league. There are a lot of good players, good teams and I am very impressed by the standard and physical strength of the league,” Agostino said.

“It’s new waters for me but I will certainly be giving it everything I’ve got, and I know I will have to be at my best to make a good impression.”

At the defensive end, Adelaide United’s Michael Valkanis will be looking forward to leading the Reds onto the park for Round 1 of the season.

Queensland Roar showed in the Pre-Season Cup that they will be a tough team to crack, and Vidmar knows they have the players to be a serious contender this season, which include the likes of Socceroo defender Craig Moore and former national player Danny Tiatto both back from overseas.

“They’re a very exciting side. Tiatto adds a bit of steel, Craig Moore and Marcinho add some flair and Reinaldo is a fantastic player so it is going to be a tough game,” Vidmar said.

As the kick-off to the start of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 Season gets closer, Vidmar has stated Adelaide United’s primary goal will be to qualify for the finals for a third straight season.

“Our goal is the top four. We’ve just got to get into the finals – that is what this club expects and demands so that is the goal.”

With the performances that the new look Adelaide United squad has displayed in the lead up to the Hyundai A-League, there is an air of excitement and optimism for their opening match on Saturday night.

Queensland Roar v Adelaide United
Saturday 25 August 2007
Kick-Off pm 7:00pm AEST (6:30pm ACST)
Suncorp Stadium, Queensland

Adelaide United Squad: 20.Robert BAJIC (gk), 2.Richie ALAGICH, 4.Angelo COSTANZO, 5.Michael VALKANIS (Captain), 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 9.Paul AGOSTINO, 10.Nathan BURNS, 11.Bruce DJITE, 13.Travis DODD, 15.Jonas SALLEY, 16.Bobby PETTA, 17.Isyan ERDOGAN, 18.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 21.Jason SPAGNUOLO, 22.DIEGO, 40.Scott HIGGINS (gk). * two to be omitted

In: Paul Agostino (return from injury)
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Dez Giraldi (quad – 2 weeks), Milan Susak (hamstring – 4 weeks)

Queensland Roar Squad: 1.Liam REDDY (gk), 4.Craig MOORE, 6.Stuart McLAREN, 8.Massimo MURDOCCA, 9.Simon LYNCH, 10.Ante MILICIC, 11.REINALDO, 12.Tahj MINNIECON, 14.Ben GRIFFIN, 15.Matt McKAY, 18.Danny TIATTO,19. Sasa OGNENOVSKI, 21.Chris GROSSMAN, 23.MARCINHO, 30.Griffin McMASTER (gk).

In: Nil
Out: Nil
Unavailable: Hyuk-Su Seo (suspended – 2 weeks), Mitch Nichols (suspended – 1 week), Robbie Kruse (facial injury – 3 weeks), Andrew Packer (hamstring – 2 weeks), Matt Ham (shoulder injury – out for season).

Adelaide United vs. Queensland Roar: HYUNDAI A-LEAGUE Record
Played 6 – 3 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss

4-Jan-2007… L 0-1… Hyundai A-League 2006/07, Rd19 (Hindmarsh Stadium)
11-Nov-2006… W 1-0… Hyundai A-League 2006/07, Rd12 (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
22-Sep-2006… D 0-0… Hyundai A-League 2006/07, Rd5 (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
1-Jan-2006… W 4-2… Hyundai A-League 2005/06 (Hindmarsh Stadium)
22-Oct-2005… W 2-1… Hyundai A-League 2005/06 (Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane)
2-Sep-2005… D 0-0… Hyundai A-League 2005/06 (Hindmarsh Stadium)

At Suncorp Stadium
Played 3; Adelaide United 2, Queensland Roar 0, Draws 1

Last time they met
4-Jan-2007 Round 19, 2006/07 Hyundai A-League at Hindmarsh Stadium
Adelaide United FC 0
Queensland Roar 1 (Reinaldo 52’)