Adelaide United will host its first game at Coopers Stadium in more than nine months on Sunday when it battles Melbourne City.
The Reds were held goalless in their 0-0 stalemate with Western United and will be looking to mark their first home game since March with a victory.
City got off to the ideal start following a 1-0 win over Brisbane Roar last week, but lost Andrew Nabbout for six weeks with a hamstring injury and Adrian Luna through suspension.
Regardless of the absentees, Carl Veart acknowledged it will be an extremely tough game against one of the competition’s favourites for the title.
However, United have had the wood over the Victorian side in recent times – who are now coached by Patrick Kisborbo – winning their past three matches at Coopers Stadium across all competitions.
Veart on being back at Coopers Stadium…
It’s fantastic I truly believe that Coopers is the best football stadium in the country. The players are really looking forward to playing in front of our fans again.
Veart on fans needing to wear masks upon entry to the game…
So we can get 75% capacity at the stadium, the fans have to wear their masks just from into the stadium. Once they get to their seat they can take their mask off, it’s only when they’re moving about in the stadium that they need to wear masks. I don’t think that’s too much of an inconvenience to come and watch a good game of football. I think we’ll be providing masks at the gates for people that don’t have one, so when they come in they can just wear a mask and when they get to their seat they can remove the mask and shout and support the team.
Veart on team morale…
The mood’s been excellent. We pretty much have a full squad now, so everyone is excited and first game at home everyone is really looking forward to it and you could see that in the training today. It’s been like that all week, the players are really keen to play in front of our home fans.
Veart on Juric looking sharp…
I think he’s had two weeks now of training and he had that first game and I think last week was the longest he’s played for over a year. So he’s only going to be better for that tomorrow and our fans, I encourage all of them to come out and see one of the best strikers in the country.
Veart on Melbourne City…
They made the Grand Final last year, so they’re a quality side. They’ve brought a few additions into their side from last season. They had a good result last week away to Brisbane, so we’re expecting it to be a very good game tomorrow night.
Team news
George Timotheou could potentially make his Reds debut after being promoted, while Ryan Kitto and Yared Abetew return from injury. However, Javi López misses due to a knee issue, while Al Hassan Toure (ankle) remains unavailable but is close to being back.
Key stats powered by Opta
- Adelaide United have lost only one of their last six A-League games against Melbourne City (W2, D3), a 2-1 defeat in October 2019.
- Ryan Strain made 15 passes into the final third during Matchweek 1 of this A-League season, more than any other player.
- No team made more clearances in Round 1 of this A-League season than Adelaide United (34) or Melbourne City (32 – equal with Western United).
Head-to-head
Played: 32
Wins: 12
Draws: 9
Losses: 11
Last five meetings
2-2 draw (A)
3-1 win (H)
2-1 loss (A)
1-0 win (H)
0-0 draw (A)
Ones to watch
A pair of Socceroos strikers will be key to each of their respective sides. With both teams impressing defensively, keeping clean sheets in Matchweek 1, chances could come at a premium on Sunday evening. Therefore, the result may be heavily decided by which team is more clinical in front of goal rather than who dominates possession and plays the more attractive brand of football.
For Adelaide, Tomi Juric will be central to United’s success and will hope to build on his auspicious outing against Western United and get off the mark in his second coming with the Club. Likewise, Jamie Maclaren will be determined to open his account for the season and add to his opening round assist for Connor Metcalfe.
Match details:
Game date: Sunday, 3 January vs Melbourne City
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 2
Kick-off 5.35pm ACDT
Gates open: 4.35pm ACDT
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Referee: Alireza Faghani
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
