Wednesday night will not be the first time Adelaide United and Melbourne City meet in the Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series, and it promises to be another cracking tie across two Semi-final legs.
The pair have faced off in two preceding occasions, prevailing 4-1 in a Semi-final clash in 2016 and then 1-0 after extra time in an Elimination Final in 2019.
Adelaide are unbeaten in three previous encounters against City this season, but have conceded first in every match, leading for just five minutes. They cannot afford another slow against the competition’s most potent attack.
The Reds are in strong form heading into first leg, triumphant in their past six matches and defeated Central Coast Mariners 3-1 to get to this point last Sunday.
The minor premiers have enjoyed the week off and will be determined to come away with a positive result heading into the second leg back at AAMI Park on Sunday.
History suggests Coopers Stadium has not been the happiest of hunting grounds for the Victorians, having not won in Adelaide since December 2018.
Regardless, it will be United’s toughest test this season.
Team news
Lachlan Barr sustained a groin injury last week in training, while Mohamed Toure and Nick Ansell remain the only long-term absentees.
Veart on how the squad’s pulled up…
“Everyone has pulled up well, there’s a few that are still a little bit sore, but you always are a little bit sore after quite a physical game on the weekend.
“And it’s a very short turnaround. So, you know, we won’t be making a decisions on the starting 11 until tomorrow once we, you know, get a good idea where everyone sits.
Veart on current form…
“We’ve got a lot of confidence, not just with our form again City this year, but form over the last five, six games.
“We’ve been building exceptionally well, this back end of the season. You know, we’ve had some really good performances.
“And you know, we had a good performance on the weekend, and it’s going to take another very good performance tomorrow night.”
Veart on matching up well against Melbourne City…
“I don’t know whether because we both have a very similar style of football where we like to play attacking and play quite an open game.
“Whether that is just the way it is, we’ve scored a lot of late goals against them.
“And that’s another thing, hopefully we can limit their opportunities and, and take our opportunity especially at home.”
Veart on City’s front three and Jakobsen’s performance…
“Melbourne City’s front three are the best front three in the competition.
“But Michael (Jakobsen) is a very experienced player, he doesn’t need a lot of training, and he can use his experience.
“That’s you know why he went straight back into the team and I think he performed very well.”
Head-to-head
Played: 37
Wins: 14
Draws: 11
Losses: 12
Last five meetings
1-2 win (A)
2-2 draw (H)
2-2 draw (H)
4-1 loss (A)
2-0 win (H)
Match details:
Wednesday, 18 May vs Melbourne City
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 – Semi-final First Leg
Kick-off 6.35pm ACST
Gates open 5.30pm ACST
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: 10 Bold
Stream: Paramount+
