After a disappointing start to the Liberty A-League 2021/22 season, Adelaide United will be determined to right the wrongs of a frustrating afternoon in Melbourne.
The Reds return to Marden Sports Complex for Round 2 and hope they can feed off the home crowd’s energy following a 5-1 setback against reigning champions Melbourne Victory.
Canberra also encountered an opening round defeat, falling 1-0 at home to Melbourne City.
Both sides head into the clash desperate for the three points and to get their respective seasons up and running.
Team news
Chelsie Dawber is a chance to start after featuring for 30 minutes last week following an injury, while Georgia Beaumont is also a possibility of making her debut after an ankle injury delayed her start to the season.
What the experts say
Niav Owens: Adelaide will be happy to be back at home, after a very tough road trip against the defending champs in round one. But they’ll need to shape up defensively to take it to a Canberra side that looks the goods up front and is also searching for their first points of the season.
Keeley Richards had a really good night between the sticks for Canberra last week – it took a cracker of a strike to beat her, so Adelaide will need to really fire to find the back of the net!
One to watch
Niav Owens: Fiona Worts looked dangerous in round one, scored a goal but also hit the cross bar and will be key for the Reds again this week.
Key battle
Niav Owens: Michelle Heyman will be on the hunt for her first goal as skipper – can the Adelaide back-four combine to keep her quiet? And do so without giving Ash Sykes room to move?
One change you’d like to see
Niav Owens: There are big wraps on Chelsie Dawber – will we see her start this week? 25 or so minutes off the bench in the opening round and she’ll be keen to make that first-choice striker gig her own this season.
Head-to-head
Played: 21
Wins: 4
Draws: 4
Losses: 13
Last three meetings
2-1 win (H)
4-3 loss (A)
3-1 loss (A)
Predictions
Niav Owens: The Reds won’t have forgotten that it was Canberra (on goal difference!) who prevented them playing in their first ever finals series last season, but their young brigade will need to really stand up to deny the Canberrans their first points of the new campaign.
Match details:
Sunday, 12 December vs Canberra United
Liberty A-League 2021/22 – Round 2
Kick-off 6.00pm ACDT
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
Stream: Paramount+
Please note: Kick-off for the match has been moved back 15 minutes to 6.00pm.
