The clash
Melbourne City will be eager to secure their first three points of the 2019/20 season when they host Adelaide United in the team’s first home game of the season at AAMI Park on Sunday afternoon.
City played out a 0-0 stalemate with crosstown rivals Melbourne Victory in Round 1 at Marvel Stadium, as the side in City blue failed to capitalise on their chances in front of goal.
The first of those chances came inside the opening 11 minutes, as Josh Brillante found Lachie Wales inside the penalty area before the attacker placed his effort just wide of the far post in what proved to be the most threatening chance for either team in the first half.
In the 56th minute, Victory attacker Elvis Kamsoba looked to hand the hosts the lead against the run of play, only for the goal to be called back after a VAR review deemed the forward offside. A late Moudi Najjar cameo saw the striker cause havoc, although he was unable to convert his two chances, as City were forced to settle for a draw.
City now face an Adelaide outfit who will be eager to bounce back following their narrow 2-3 loss to Sydney FC at Coopers Stadium on Friday night. Sydney’s potent attacker, Adam Le Fondre kicked things off with a quick-fire double to make it 2-0 to the Sky Blues after 28 minutes, before Nikola Mileusnic pegged a goal back on the cusp of half time with a brilliantly taken free kick.
The Reds came out of the block firing in the second period and were rewarded for their efforts after just six minutes, as Al Hassan Toure showed great composure to level the scores at 2-2. Just as the game looked headed for a 2-2 deadlock, Dylan McGowan popped up with three minutes of regulation time to secure the three points with a thunderous header.
With the FFA Cup Final to be played between City and Adelaide only days away, we’re set for an intriguing battle between two sides who will face each other twice in four days.
Last time they met
The last time the two teams met in the league was in May this year, as late heartbreak saw Adelaide United knock out City in the Elimination Final at Coopers Stadium.
A stalemate after 90 minutes saw the game go to extra-time, as Reds attacker Ben Halloran broke City hearts with a 119th minute winner.
Team news
Jamie Maclaren is back! See City’s Team News here.
What was said
Melbourne City defender Scott Galloway
“The atmosphere around the Club is fantastic, everyone knows the ability that we have and if we can consistently do that, we’re capable of beating anybody.”
Where and when
City host Adelaide Untied at AAMI Park on Sunday 20 October 2019, get your tickets here!
