The clash
Melbourne City take on Adelaide United in what is set to be an enthralling clash between two sides fighting for a top-four position at AAMI Park on Saturday evening.
Unbeaten in their past 10 fixtures at the venue, Head Coach Warren Joyce’s team will be looking to extend their unbeaten run and make it back-to-back wins in the league following their comprehensive 4-1 win over Brisbane in Round 24.
After a dominant start, City took the lead in the 27th minute, as Rostyn Griffiths met Florin Berenguer’s cross with the slightest of touches to register his first goal for the club. Nine minutes after the restart, Brisbane clawed their way back into the contest, as Harrison Delbridge’s attempted clearance looped into the back of his own net.
Despite conceding the equaliser, the home side rallied and hit back just five minutes later through Shayon Harrison, as the 21-year-old produced a brilliant touch and finish to make it 2-1 from close range. With 20 minutes to play, City’s golden boot leader Ritchie De Laet struck with an absolute thunderbolt to hand the hosts a comfortable 3-1 cushion. With the three-points all but secured, second-half substitute Riley McGree made his presence felt, adding to the highlights reel with an incredible chip in stoppage time to make it 4-1.
With both sides fighting for a top-four finish, City are set to face a tough opponent in the Reds, who are coming off a dominant 3-1 win over fellow top-four contenders Wellington Phoenix.
A blistering first-half performance at Coopers Stadium saw Adelaide take a 3-0 lead into the half-time interval, as Michael Marrone opened the scoring before Apostolos Stamatelopoulos netted a quick-fire brace. The youngster then received his marching orders for his second booking, but the ‘Nix were unable to capitalise, going down 3-1 with Cillian Sheridan the lone goal scorer.
With one-point separating the two teams on the league table, Saturday afternoon’s clash is set to be a cracker.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met was in Round 18, when City earned a share of the spoils, playing out a 1-1 draw with Adelaide United at AAMI Park.
Craig Goodwin opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time, before Jamie Maclaren equalised with a neat backheel in his first match in City blue.
Team news
Two inclusions strengthen our squad. See full Team News here.
What was said
Head Coach Warren Joyce
“Looking at the opposition, looking at ourselves, we’re just making sure that we are at our best really, with or without the ball.
“There was a lot of good performances last week and we’re looking to continue in that vein.”
Where and when
City host Adelaide United at AAMI Park on Saturday 13 April, kick-off 5:35pm. Get your tickets here.
