West Adelaide v Croydon Kings
PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia

When: Saturday, 14 May. Kick-off 3PM.
Where: Adelaide Shores Football Centre, West Beach Road, West Beach.

Form:

West Adelaide: D D L

West Torrens Birkalla 0-0 West Adelaide
West Adelaide 2-2 South Adelaide
MetroStars 2-0 West Adelaide

Croydon: L D L

South Adelaide 2-0 Croydon Kings
Croydon Kings 2-2 MetroStars
Croydon Kings 2-4 Adelaide Olympic

Teams:

West Adelaide: 1. Lewis Moss (GK), 2. Aristomenios Haralampopoulos, 5. Robin Lippett, 10. Ricardo Da Silva (C), 11. Thomas Briscoe, 12. Thomas Veart, 13. Hikaru Tanaka, 14. Nathan Andijanto, 15. Ryan James, 16. Alexandros Koutoulogenis, 17. Perry Mitris, 18. Yiannis Nestoras, 19. John Karatzas, 20. Tony Hatzis, 21. Daniel Atkins, 22. Michael Alexandrou, 23. Mitchell Nicholson

Croydon Kings: Aladin Irabona, 1. Nicholas Munro (GK), 2. John Panagaris, 5. James Skeffington, 6. Nathan Farrell, 7. Shaun Mcgreevy, 8. Rocco Visconte, 9. Elvis Kamsoba, 12. Frank Marafioti, 13. Hosine Bility, 14. Steven Pepper, 15. Dion Gazettas, 16. Jesse Francesca, 18. Jarrod Brazzale

Preview:

West Adelaide and Croydon Kings are two sides desperate for a win in the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia.

They have been two of this season’s biggest disappointments and after losses in Round 9, one can expect both teams to leave everything on the pitch on Saturday in order to get a crucial three points.

The performances of this weekend’s opponents have been surprising, but not in a good way.

Last season’s Champions, in West Adelaide, and FFA Cup SA winners, Croydon Kings, find themselves on equal points and one point outside of the bottom two.

As the season approaches the mid-way point, this weekend is must win if either side is to start a climb back up to the top 6.

West Adelaide’s Robby Lippett said this week was a six pointer.

“This is a big game for both teams.

“We are desperate for points and we can’t afford to let the gap get any bigger; this is definitely a six pointer and will no doubt be a fast and physical encounter.”

Lippett’s opposite number, Luke Klimek, shared similar sentiments about this weekend.

“We know we have to get something out of this game, which is crucial.

“Without a doubt West Adelaide is a very good team and we always have great contests against them.

“I’m sure Saturday will be no different.”

Klimek said that there were a few reasons why Croydon’s form has been down this year, but confidence had not taken a hit because of it.

“There are numerous reasons why we have been in poor form but we know we can turn that form around if we pay at our best.

“It hasn’t really effected our confidence, we are simply focused on the job ahead against West Adelaide.

“We have to be switched on [this weekend] from the start of the game till the very end, we know our game plan and if we stick to that and take our chances I know we can get the win.”

Lippett said that the experience that runs deep throughout the West Adelaide squad has helped them to put past results behind them and focus on one game at a time.

“No one likes losing and the results haven’t helped our confidence at all, but we’re all experienced players and know that we can’t dwell on the past.

“We have regrouped, set new goals individually and as a team to make sure we turn the season around and finish strong.

“Some of our key players aren’t firing but it’s a matter of time before they all start finding the back of the net; on paper we have a strong squad and we’re still playing attractive football, we just need some of our senior and experienced players to dig deep and why we’re one of the deadliest teams in the league.”

Written by Brendan Simpkins - @RealSimpkins