Adelaide United will be aiming to carry the momentum from its resilient win over Canberra United into its away trip against Melbourne City on Saturday.
Adelaide bounced back with that come-from-behind 2-1 triumph having suffered a 5-1 loss in the opening round.
As for the hosts, they remain winless to begin the new Liberty A-League 2021/22 campaign following 1-0 and 2-1 setbacks against Canberra and Melbourne Victory respectively.
The Reds have never recorded a win against City in Melbourne and will be hopeful of changing that this weekend.
Team news
Adrian Stenta almost has a clean bill of health for the match. American defender Kayla Sharples also trained this week after completing quarantine and could be a chance to feature. However, Meleri Mullan remains ruled out through injury.
What the expert says
Amy Chapman: Adelaide United – Impressive turnaround after Round one loss, much improved performance. Created lots of chances and deserved the late winner. Emma Stanbury’s experience and work rate was integral in winning the midfield battle, allowing Emily Condon and Nanako Sasaki to be more attacking minded.
Melbourne City – Coming off a tough loss to favourites Melbourne Victory, City will be looking to bounce back, Wilkinson will be hungry to get on the scoresheet as the marquee number nine. Usually in a 3-5-2 formation, City will look to overload in attack using quick wing-backs in Torpey & Vlanic – this will be key to City unlocking Adelaide defence.
One to watch
Amy Chapman: Nanako Sasaki – The X factor against Canberra, with an impressive half volley and ‘goal of the week’ contender – and also turned provider with a clever chip in behind for the winning goal.
Key battle
Amy Chapman: Chelsie Dawber vs Hannah Wilkinson – both Strikers will be looking to get off the mark for the season and will be important for either team to get the points.
One change you’d like to see
Amy Chapman: For Melbourne, I think they need to take more risks going forward and provide service to Wilkinson in better areas of the park.
For Adelaide, quick transitions and switch of play, if city send their wing backs high this can leave their back 3 stretched – the likes of Dawber, Fiona Worts and Condon will have joy in the wide areas in behind with quick transitions.
Head-to-head
Played: 6
Wins: 1
Draws: 3
Losses: 2
Last three meetings
2-1 win (H)
1-0 loss (A)
1-1 draw (A)
Prediction
Amy Chapman: I think this will be a close game, with Adelaide playing with a lot of confidence after their win against Canberra United and Melbourne City looking to bounce back. City do have a quality squad and will have the home advantage. Melbourne City 2-1.
Match details:
Saturday, 18 December vs Melbourne City
Liberty A-League 2021/22 – Round 3
Kick-off 4.35pm ACDT
Venue: AAMI Park
Stream: Paramount+
