Adelaide City v MetroStars
South Australia National Premier League Round 21

When: Saturday, July 12th, Kick-off 3pm
Where: Adelaide City Park, Corner Fosters Road & Hilltop Drive, OAKDEN

Teams:

Adelaide City: M. Acton, J. Allwright, A. Babb, P. Blefari, N. Bucco, N. Budin, A. Costa, S. Day, F. Garuccio, M. Halliday, T. Love, M. Mittiga, J. Mori, M. Mullen, J. O'Donnell, L. Ostbye, A. Rideout, A. Sunasky, V. Talladira, S. Tobias

MetroStars: F. Barbiero, S. Cali, R. Callisto, A. Ciarla, M. D Aloisio, L. D'Arrigo, M. Deegan, D. Godley, S. Grelli, J. Groves, A. Ivanov, D. Menechella, P. Mitris, A. Orphanou, A. Polisena, J. Polisena, L. Robertson, A. Solagna, S. Tunbridge, A. Van Dommele


Form:

Adelaide City: W L W

Round 18: Adelaide City 3-0 South Adelaide, Adelaide City Park
Round 19: Western Strikers 1-0 Adelaide City, Carnegie Reserve
Round 20: White City 0-2 Adelaide City, Frank Mitchell Park

MetroStars: W W W

Round 18: Adelaide Comets 1-4 MetroStars, Santos Stadium
Round 19: MetroStars 6-0 Para Hills, TK Shutter Reserve
Round 20: Western Strikers 0-3 MetroStars, Carnegie Reserve


Preview:

Having just re-entered the top six, Adelaide City faces an ominous task to retain their spot against leaders MetroStars in Round 21 of the South Australia Premier League at Adelaide City Park on Saturday.

Damian Mori’s side finally took advantage of results going their way to take sixth from Campbelltown City following a 2-0 success over White City.

Defender Matthew Mullen says City are looking to push on.

“I thought we were quite solid and back to our old ways. We got a good start and with that momentum we played quite well,” Mullen noted.

“It’s a good feeling to be back in the top six. We think we deserve to be in this position.

“But we don’t want to stop, our aim is to get a higher place. We just have to make sure we get as many points as possible.”

City’s recent results have been mixed, losing twice in the past five matches. They are two points ahead of Campbelltown as they prepare to face the league leaders.

Mullen says the black and whites are seeking consistency.

“Our form has been inconsistent and we aren’t happy with that, especially losing to the bottom side. Ahead of the finals you need consistency.

“MetroStars are a solid side, but we believe on our day we can beat any side.”

MetroStars extended their superb run, winning for the ninth consecutive match away at Western Strikers. Perry Mitris led the way with a brace, while Scott Tunbridge also netted.

Defender Michael D’Aloisio says complacency won’t creep in.

“I thought it was a dominant performance. We kept possession well, held our shape and were clinical in the final third,” D’Aloisio stated.

“We are training hard and making sure to not get complacent. The players are level headed and know we have to continue as we are.

“It’s so close at the top that you cannot afford to be complacent. One loss and you’re back in the pack.”

Currently four points clear, MetroStars do have a tough home stretch. After Adelaide City come matches against Campbelltown, West Adelaide and Adelaide Blue Eagles.

D’Aloisio says this weekend is the first of a series of difficult contests.

“We know what to expect against them. It will be a tough game against a well-drilled side which contains quality players. We must be at our best.

“We face a lot of sides close to us, so we want as many points as possible to distance ourselves from them.”

Elsewhere, Raiders and Western Strikers need maximum points to aid their respective battles at the Croatian Sports Centre on Saturday.

Raiders got back on track over the weekend, but faltered mid-week against Adelaide Comets to sit seven points from the six. Strikers are in the relegation zone, but just two points from safety.

It’s a fight for second spot as Adelaide Blue Eagles host Croydon at Marden Sports Complex on Saturday.

Blue Eagles trail the Kings on goal difference, continuing their good form with a second half revival against West Torrens Birkalla. It’s Croydon second successive second-spot contest – they came out on top against West Adelaide.

Level on points, South Adelaide and West Torrens Birkalla can steer clear of relegation danger at O’Sullivan Beach Sports Complex on Saturday.

The pair sit on 19 points, six clear of the drop zone. Both have struggled lately, with the Panthers stopping a two-game losing run last week, while Birkalla has picked up just one point in five games.

Campbelltown City and Para Hills both need the points at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Saturday.

The Red Devils have won just once in eight games to fall outside the top six. Meanwhile, the Knights have lost three of the last five games, but do have a slight gap to the bottom duo.

White City will hope to boost their slim finals chances against Cumberland United at Frank Mitchell Park on Saturday.

The Warriors charged into contention with a series of impressive results, but were halted by Adelaide City. Following their  last equaliser against South, the Foxes know a win can take them outside the bottom two.

West Adelaide will look to bounce back against Adelaide Comets at Adelaide Shores Football Centre on Sunday.

A three-goal defeat to Croydon was Paul Pezos’ first in charge and saw West slip to fourth. Comets enjoyed dual victories in recent days, following up a crushing win over Campbelltown by winning their catch-up game against Raiders.


Saturday July 12

Raiders v Western Strikers
3pm - Croatian Sports Centre, State Sports Park, off Main North Road, GEPPS CROSS

Adelaide Blue Eagles v Croydon
3pm - Marden Sports Complex, Lower Portrush Road, MARDEN

South Adelaide v West Torrens Birkalla
3pm - O'Sullivan Beach Sports Complex, Galloway Road, O'SULLIVAN BEACH

Campbelltown City v Para Hills
3pm - Steve Woodcock Sports Centre, Stradbroke Road, NEWTON

White City v Cumberland United
3pm - Frank Mitchell Park, Minns Street, WOODVILLE WEST


Sunday July 13

West Adelaide v Adelaide Comets
3pm - Adelaide Shores Football Centre, West Beach Road, WEST BEACH