MetroStars v West Adelaide
South Australia National Premier League Round 24

When: Saturday, August 2nd. Kick off 7pm
Where: TK Shutter Reserve, Fourth Avenue, KLEMZIG

Teams:

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

West Adelaide: M. Alexandrou,N. Andijanto, T. Briscoe, R. Da Silva, T. Guttormsen, M. Hiern, M. Kemp, A. Koutoulogenis, K. Mantis, P. Pezos, K. Tsacos, E. Vlassis, J. Watson, J. Wright

Form:

MetroStars: W W W

Round 21: Adelaide City 0-2 MetroStars, Adelaide City Park
Round 22: MetroStars 2-0 Raiders, TK Shutter Reserve
Round 23: Campbelltown City 1-5 MetroStars, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre

West Adelaide: W D W

Round 21: West Adelaide 3-1 Adelaide Comets, Adelaide Shores Football Centre
Round 22: Para Hills Knights 1-1 West Adelaide, The Paddocks
Round 23: West Adelaide 6-0 Western Strikers, Adelaide Shores Football Centre

Preview:

League leaders MetroStars host third-placed West Adelaide at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday night in Round 24 of the South Australia National Premier League.

MetroStars could wrap up the minor premiership if they gain three points, while West Adelaide would be able to keep their premiership hopes alive with a win.

Both sides scored comfortable wins in Round 23, with MetroStars winning 5-1 against Campbelltown City and West Adelaide dismantling Western Strikers 6-0.

MetroStars have been in outstanding form, clinching 12 wins in a row to take a six-point lead over second-placed Croydon Kings.

However, the Klemzig-based side’s last loss came against West Adelaide back in Round 11.

MetroStars coach Ivan Karlovic said his players have been working hard and are getting the reward for their dedication.

“For us, it’s important to play well, and if we do so, we give ourselves the best possible chance of getting the result,” Karlovic said.

“The team has prepared well, like they always do. The players are confident and they are looking forward to playing.”

Karlovic said the team has not addressed the 2-0 loss in their last match against West Adelaide.

“I thought last time we played them we played quite well in the first half, but we were a little bit unfortunate,” he said.

“West Adelaide then took their chances really well and got the deserved result.”

Meanwhile, West Adelaide sit seven points adrift of leaders Metro and just two points ahead of fourth-placed Adelaide Blue Eagles.

West Adelaide full back Joe Wright said their 6-0 win against Western Strikers would give the team a boost going into Saturday night’s game.

“Being ruthless in front of goal is something we’ve talked about all season and it’s a perfect time for us to build on that heading into finals,” Wright said.

“We go out to win every game, but there is certainly a point to prove against the league leaders.”

Wright said West Adelaide know what to expect from MetroStars after their previous encounter.

“They have hit form of late, but we’re confident in our game plan, it’s just a matter of executing it on game day,” Wright said.

“It’s an exciting time of the season and these are the games you want to play in.”