Adelaide United will look to dethrone Croydon Kings in their Round 20 encounter of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues at The Parks Football Centre on Saturday.
Back home after three weeks on the road, the Young Reds will want to take the opportunity to cause an upset for the Kings and their newly-crowned form.
The Reds sit 10th amongst the competition, four points clear of the drop zone, with their 1-0 win over Adelaide Blue Eagles in Round 18 providing space between both sides at the lower end of the table.
To keep their spot safe, Huss Skenderovic’s men will want to take as many points home as possible with three rounds remaining.
“Two of our last three games are at home so it’s nice to have that advantage but in this competition it’s so tight anyone can beat anyone on their day,” said Skenderovic.
“That’s why we have to be focussed, Croydon are aiming to cement a top six spot and we’re trying to stay up, so we expect a tough game but one we ultimately feel we can get a result.”
Croydon sit fourth, having been in immaculate form and beat top sides Adelaide City and Adelaide Comets in recent weeks.
A win for both sides was on the cards last match day, but a brace by Captain, Josh Mori, including a goal of the round, was not enough in their 2-3 defeat to MetroStars.
A lone goal by Croydon’s starlet, Paul Radice, in the 71st minute ensured all three points against a dangerous Para Hills Knights.
The Young Reds were in stunning form when they faced the Kings at Polonia Reserve in April, securing a 2-1 win over the home side.
A penalty by Ryan Strain and a tap-in by Jordan Maricic shocked the home defence.
Adelaide United’s superstar midfielder, Blake Carpenter was rewarded with the Marcellina Man of the Match, and could prove threatening once again.
Skenderovic has been pleased by what he has seen from his players but maintains finishing in front of goal needs to improve whether in the dirty areas of the penalty area or from distance.
“It was great to see Josh lead by example with two goals last week, his second from outside the 18-yard box was outstanding.
“But he was also in the thick of it for his first goal so although you could say it wasn’t pretty, that’s the type of tenacious mindset we need to just put the ball in the net one way or another.
“To score twice against a quality side like MetroStars gives us confidence. And we took the game to Croydon last time and came out on top, there’s no reason why we can’t do that again on Saturday.”
The Young Reds meet Croydon Kings at The Parks Football Centre on Saturday, 29 July. Kick-off is 3:00pm, Reserves kick-off at 1:00pm. Entry: Adults $10, Concession $5, 16 and under FREE.
