The clash
Melbourne City FC will be looking to return to winning ways when they play Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Sunday night.
Following a comprehensive 3-0 win over Newcastle in Round 6, City suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to table-toppers Perth Glory at nib Stadium last weekend.
Despite controlling much of the proceedings in the first-half, City conceded a 43rd minute goal, as Chris Ikonomidis pounced on an opportunistic effort from close range following a scramble at the back which resulted in Andy Keogh’s deflected cross falling to the attacker.
City’s loss to Perth sees them remain in fifth position on the league ladder, one-point behind third and fourth, following Adelaide’s loss to second-placed Melbourne Victory.
Head Coach Warren Joyce and his side will be determined to return to the winner’s list, but it won’t be easy, coming up against a direct rival who sits in a similar position.
Goals to Kosta Barbarouses and Ola Toivonen in the second-half at Marvel Stadium saw the hosts run away with a 2-0 win, after Michael Marrone came closest for the Reds in the first-half, striking the crossbar with a bullet-like header.
With both teams suffering defeats to the top-two teams on the ladder, we are set for an enthralling contest between two sides determined to return to winning ways and end the round in a higher position on the league ladder.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met in the Hyundai A-League was in Round 23 of the 2017/18 season, when City played out a 1-1 draw with Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
Johan Absalonsen opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, before Stefan Mauk secured a share of the spoils with a second-half strike.
Team news
Ritchie De Laet and Osama Malik return from injury for the contest. See our full Team News
What was said
Head Coach Warren Joyce
“We’ve had a lot of battles with them. Last season every game was a battle, we’ve played them in a couple of pre-season matches as well. We know they’ll be an organised side.”
Adelaide United defender Ryan Strain
“We need to get some consistency going but I think we’re doing alright. We’re fourth in the table and only a few points off top so we’re going well and hopefully we can pick up the points this week.”
Where and when
City travel to South Australia to play Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium on Sunday 16 December, kick-off 7:00pm, before hosting Melbourne Victory in the Christmas Derby at AAMI Park on Saturday, 22 December, kick-off 7:50pm (AEDT).
