Melbourne City FC make the trip to the red centre this weekend as they face Adelaide United at ANZAC Oval in Alice Springs.
After coming off a commanding 5-0 win against local NPLV side Hume City on Tuesday night, the Club travels to central Australia looking to test their squad against Hyundai A-League opposition.
Melbourne City FC will make its third trip to regional Australia this pre-season with trips to Bendigo and Lismore still to come. The full senior list is scheduled to travel to Alice Springs with a number of trialists also playing for a spot on the senior or NYL lists.
Damien Duff put in another strong performance on Tuesday night and will get a real taste of Australian conditions when he touches down in the Northern Territory. Robert Koren will be in a similar position to the Irishman and will be monitored closely in terms of minutes and match fitness.
ANZAC Oval has hosted a National Rugby League pre-seaon match in 2006 but this will be the first time A-League teams will play at the ground, introducing football to new territory.
The Reds will have plenty to play for in the red centre with the side preparing for the next round of the FFA Cup. With that in mind, Adelaide will be pulling all stops to ensure they put out a strong line-up on Saturday afternoon.
Injured trio Cassio, Michael Marrone and Fabio Ferreira will remain in the ‘City of Churches’; however, United will be bringing their new Spanish striker Pablo Sanchez, who will look to test Melbourne City FC’s defensive stocks.
Adelaide have had a strong pre-season against A-League opposition—defeating Perth Glory in Sydney and Wellington Phoenix in the FFA Cup—however, Josep Gombau’s side was put to the sword in their own backyard by Spanish La Liga giants Malaga.
Both sides will be undertaking clinics and community events over the weekend, as the A-League connects with the local community in “The Alice”.
Match Details
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 23 August 2014
Adelaide United vs. Melbourne City FC
ANZAC Oval
Kick-Off: 3.30pm (Local Time), 3pm (AEST)
Tickets
Tickets will be available over the counter at Intersport Alice Springs (formerly Centralian Sports), Hot Stuff for the Sporting Buff and Sportspower. Tickets will also be available at the gate (cash only).
Unreserved Grandstand Seating
Adults: $10
Concession and under 16: $10
Children under 5: FREE
Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children): $40
General Admission
Adults: $10
Concession and under 16: $5
Children under 5: FREE
Family Pass (2 adults, 2 children): $25
