Flu bug hits Knights

A flu bug hitting the New Zealand Knights has forced manager John Adshead to delay naming his side for the home match against A-League soccer leaders Adelaide United on Sunday.

Adshead said today that about half a dozen of his players were affected, but he hoped to have a full complement to pick from when he announced his 15-man squad on Friday.

"I simply have too many ifs, buts and maybes at the moment," he said.

"The players have a day off tomorrow to recover before training again on Friday. By then I would hope the minor niggles and illness situation has cleared somewhat."

Among those with niggles are defender Frank van Eijs and keeper Danny Milosevic.

Van Eijs, who is yet to make his league debut, has a calf muscle problem, while Milosevic, who missed last week's 1-0 home loss to Perth because of injury, limped away from training after taking a knock to his leg.

Meanwhile, the Knights will have to counter an early trend if they are to defeat unbeaten Adelaide at North Harbour Stadium.

After five rounds and 20 matches in the eight-team league, there have been more wins for teams playing away (eight) than at home (six).

In most other soccer competitions, there are usually almost twice as many victories for sides at home than for those on the road.

The Knights are among three clubs yet to win at home. The others are the Central Coast Mariners, whom the Knights defeated at Gosford for their only victory so far, and Sydney FC.

- NZPA