Gamba doesn’t have any injury concerns at the moment, but FW Lucas has been struggling with a hamstring the last week. He’s 90% sure of playing tomorrow’s match though. Adelaide are without MF’s Reid and Barbeiro, but get the important FW Diego back from injury as well as first-choice keeper Galekovic.
Gamba lost last round away against Shimizu, but before that they were on a very long unbeaten run. Their form lately has been quite good overall, both in the league and ACL. Gamba are the only team in ACL that are unbeaten this season. At home Gamba usually does well, and have only lost once in the league since April. They also lost to Shimizu in the league-cup, but I doubt Gamba had that match as top priority. Gamba played a terrific match in the semifinal, when they beat Urawa 3-1 away. It ended 1-1 at home. Adelaide has only 3-1-2 in the league on the last 6, and lost last round against Melbourne at home. Melbourne met Gamba in the group stage twice, and lost on both occasions. Adelaide did very well in the semifinal though, crushing Bunyodkor 3-0 at home, and losing only 1-0 away.
Gamba are naturally favorites, having home-advantage and everything. The Gamba players has an extra motivation in Club World Cup participation as well, as they have to win ACL to secure a place there. Adelaide are already qualified, since they meet a japanese side in the final ( if Gamba lose, the J.League champion will be qualified instead). This is a very big match for Adelaide, who have surprise everyone by their great run to the final. They’ve knocked out big guns like Kashima Antlers and Buynodkor along the way, but will once again be looked upon as the underdog here. Gamba are in better form, and I think they will win this.
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