Adelaide United will be looking for a repeat of its success against Canberra United, when the two teams meet again for the second time in less than a month this season.
The Reds, this time, travel to the nation’s capital for an intriguing clash on Saturday afternoon, although the city has not been a happy hunting ground for Adelaide registering just the solitary away victory back in October 2014.
Adrian Stenta’s side prevailed 2-1 in its most recent encounter in mid-December thanks to Emily Condon’s stoppage time winner at Marden.
Last weekend, Adelaide produced a magnificent 4-2 triumph over Perth Glory and will be confident it can build on that momentum and put behind its inconsistent start to the campaign.
As for Canberra, they remain winless after four matches and drew 0-0 with Perth in a midweek fixture.
Team news
Adrian Stenta has nearly a full squad to choose from however Shay Evans will miss the game due to a hip injury while Meleri Mullan has a knee complaint.
What the expert says
Georgia Yeoman-Dale: Canberra United yet to pick up a win this season, are not looking as threatening as years gone by. Emma Ilijovski was a big miss for them on Wednesday night against Perth Glory and forced a full team reshuffle. Adelaide United, with a tough start to the season, have shown some real promise going forward. Scoring goals does not seem to be an issue, however keeping a clean sheet seems unlikely. The return of Dylan Holmes is a big welcome for the side strengthening the midfield, while attacker Chelsie Dawber is in red hot form.
One to watch
Georgia Yeoman-Dale: Chelsie Dawber with three goals in two games, one of which would have to be in contention for goal of the season.
Key battle
Georgia Yeoman-Dale: Fiona Worts v Ally Haran. Haran is Canberra’s most experienced defender and will be kept busy with the lively Fiona Worts. Worts has been a handful in the opening games for the season and is another player to watch for Adelaide United.
Head-to-head
Played: 22
Wins: 5
Draws: 4
Losses: 13
Last three meetings
2-1 win (H)
2-1 win (H)
4-3 loss (A)
Prediction
Georgia Yeoman-Dale: There will be goals in this game. I can see Adelaide hitting the early lead but Canberra are a 90 minute team and will not go down without a fight. 3-2 Adelaide United.
Match details:
Saturday, 8 January vs Canberra United
Liberty A-League 2021/22 – Round 6
Kick-off 4.35pm ACDT
Venue: Viking Park
Stream: Paramount+
