The team had a final training session at the Pohang Steelyard Stadium in South Korea late yesterday afternoon and coach Aurelio Vidmar was impressed by the condition of the pitch and the standard of the 20,000-seater stadium.

Vidmar announced his side to face the Steelers, with Qantas Under 23s striker Bruce Djite set to lead United’s attack, while fellow Qantas Under 23s squad member Robert Cornthwaite has been named in a central defender’s position alongside the experienced Angelo Costanzo.

Eugene Galekovic has been given the nod to start in goals as he looks to continue on his fine form since signing with The Reds mid way through last season, while Vidmar has also included both Diego and Jonas Salley in the starting line up, the latter most likely to play the holding midfield role.

A number of United’s players trained with gloves on during the final training session as temperatures are expected to drop to around 3°C come game time this evening.

With three highly talented Brazilians and an abundance of exceptional South Korean talent, the Pohang Steelers will provide an extremely tough side to combat but Vidmar is confident The Reds can make an encouraging start to their AFC Champions League 2008 campaign.

The match will be televised on Fox Sports 1 from 9.30pm (ACDT) following Melbourne Victory’s clash with the Chunnam Dragons.

Adelaide United’s first home game of the 2008 AFC Champions League is on March 19 against Chinese champions Changchun Yatai at Hindmarsh Stadium.

AFC Champions League 2008 – Match Day 1 (Group E)
Pohang Steelers v Adelaide United FC
Wednesday 12 March 2008
Kick-Off 8.30pm ACDT
Pohang Steelyard, South Korea

Adelaide United FC Starting XI
30.Eugene GALEKOVIC (GK), 2.Richie ALAGICH, 4.Angelo COSTANZO, 6.CASSIO, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 11.Bruce DJITE, 13.Travis DODD (Captain), 15.Jonas SALLEY, 18.Robert CORNTHWAITE, 21.Jason SPAGNUOLO, 22.DIEGO.

On the Bench
1.Daniel BELTRAME (GK), 3.Milan SUSAK, 10.Nathan BURNS, 14.Shaun ONTONG, 20.Robert BAJIC (GK), 23.Dez GIRADLI, 26.Fabian BARBIERO.