Raiders v MetroStars
South Australia National Premier League Round 9

When: Saturday, April 19th. Kick-off 3pm
Where: Croatian Sports Centre, Main North Road, GEPPS CROSS

Teams:

Raiders: D. Atkins, D. Avery, M. Debono, M. Doyle, J. Elliott, N. Fleetwood, E. Kamsoba, A. Macolino , M. Marchi, M. Marcinko, E. Metanomski, J. O'Doherty, D. Pickert, D. Pritchard, B. Reeves, M. Saric, A. Stam, J. Stephens, M. Stokes

MetroStars: F. Barbiero, R. Callisto, A. Ciarla, 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, P. Terminello, S. Tunbridge, A. Van Dommele

Form:

Raiders: L W W

Round 6: Adelaide Comets 4-2 Raiders, Burton Park Football Centre
Round 7: Raiders 2-1 Para Hills Knights, Croatian Sports Centre
Round 8: Western Strikers 0-1 Raiders, Carnegie Reserve

MetroStars: W D W

Round 6: Para Hills Knights 1-2 MetroStars, The Paddocks
Round 7: MetroStars 0-0 Western Strikers, TK Shutter Reserve
Round 8: MetroStars 1-0 Adelaide City, TK Shutter Reserve

Preview:

In Round 9 of the South Australia National Premier League, Raiders and MetroStars will face off at the Croatian Sports Centre on Saturday at 3pm.

Just one point separates the two sides, with MetroStars sitting in fifth position with 15 points, while Raiders are in seventh place with 14.

Both teams claimed 1-0 wins in Round 8, as Raiders beat Western Strikers at Carnegie Reserve and MetroStars defeated Adelaide City at TK Shutter Reserve.

Raiders captain Michael Doyle said his side has prepared for the game like every other week.

“We are going into a tough five rounds coming up, with all the big teams that will most likely be playing finals this year, so we’re treating Metro like any other game really,” Doyle said.

“As far as getting the win, we need to win every game if we want to be playing finals this year, but to get off to a good start in these next five rounds against Metro would be the best start possible.”

Metro take on Adelaide City in the Coca-Cola Federation Cup quarter finals on Monday, but Doyle feels their opponents’ tough schedule will not give Raiders an advantage.

“I think Metro won’t be silly, they know they’ve got a big game Monday, but their squad is good enough to manage two games in the next couple days, so I can’t see them resting anyone, especially in the league anyway.”

MetroStars’ Lee Robertson believes their win against Adelaide City is a big confidence booster going into this weekend’s match.

“It was a huge win; we’re slowly gaining some confidence, which is what we’re after,” Robertson said.

“It was a little bit of a frustrating start for us, but we’re starting find our straps, which is positive.

“A win is extremely important this week, it keeps us in the pack. There’s a lot of teams around the top so it’s crucial that we get the three points.

“Raiders is certainly be a tough challenge, they’re a big team; their coach Carl Maynard has got them working really well and they’ve been getting some results themselves.”

Robertson said his team will take Saturday first, before reassessing for Monday’s cup game against Adelaide City.

“We’ll have a light session on Sunday just to freshen up and to see who has come astray. We’ve got a big squad and we’ve got plenty of guys who can put their hand up and play their position.”

With leaders Adelaide Blue Eagles just three points above Metro and four ahead of Raiders, a win for either side could see them close in on first position.

Thursday April 17

White City v West Torrens Birkalla
7:30pm - Frank Mitchell Park, 55 Minnis Street, WOODVILLE WEST

Saturday April 19

South Adelaide v Croydon
3pm - O'Sullivans Beach Sports Complex, Galloway Road, O'SULLIVANS BEACH

Adelaide City v Cumberland United
3pm - Adelaide City Park, Corner Fosters Road & Hilltop Drive, OAKDEN

West Adelaide v Para Hills Knights
3pm - Adelaide Shores Football Centre, West Beach Road, WEST BEACH

Adelaide Blue Eagles v Adelaide Comets
3pm - Marden Sports Complex, 65 Lower Portrush Road, MARDEN

Campbelltown City v Western Strikers
3pm - Steve Woodcock Sports Centre, Stradbroke Road, NEWTON