Adelaide United face Melbourne City for the third and final time of the regular season when the pair cross paths again on Tuesday night.
In the two previous encounters this campaign at Coopers Stadium both games ended in 2-2 draws with the Reds fighting back in each game.
Adelaide has not led City at any moment this season and will need to deliver a much-improved performance if they are to beat the defending champions.
Negating the attacking threats of Jamie Maclaren, Mathew Leckie and Andrew Nabbout in particular will be of utmost importance for Carl Veart’s side.
Adelaide left it late to snatch a 1-1 draw with Wellington Phoenix courtesy of Bernardo’s 92nd minute header.
City brushed aside Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 with ease last Friday to record a second straight victory.
If the past meetings are anything to go by then it should be another entertaining affair.
Team news
Carl Veart will have the same squad available like he did for Saturday’s clash with Wellington Phoenix.
What the expert says
Cameron Watson: Melbourne City coming off two good away games. Very good squad that dominate most games. Leckie now scoring in back to back games, is a real boost.
Adelaide have been up and down recently. A good late equaliser from Bernardo in tough conditions shows the teams willingness to the end. With the players they have they would want to start dominating possession in key areas a little more. Clough could provide that.
Both teams will be looking to maintain their position in the top 6. Should make for a good game in Melbourne under lights.
One to watch
Cameron Watson: Bernardo looked lively off the bench against Wellington and got his debut goal which is great for him and the team going forward. Clough looked energetic and eager to get forward and picked up good positions. He will be looking to link up with Ibusuki ASAP.
Key battle
Cameron Watson: Craig Goodwin and Matt Leckie. Both capable of scoring and assisting, both playing against their former teams. Should be a good match up.
One change you’d like to see
Cameron Watson: Would like to see Clough start the game and let him go til he’s out of gas.
Head-to-head
Played: 36
Wins: 13
Draws: 11
Losses: 12
Last five meetings
2-2 draw (H)
2-2 draw (H)
4-1 loss (A)
2-0 win (H)
2-2 draw (A)
Prediction
Cameron Watson: Melbourne City coming off two very good results will have them full of confidence. Adelaide know they have to keep winning to stay in touch and in the top six. Same as last fixture in Adelaide, 2-2.
Match details:
Tuesday, 15 February vs Melbourne City
Isuzu UTE A-League 2021/22 – Matchweek 15
Kick-off 7.25pm ACDT
Venue: AAMI Park
Stream: Paramount+
