Friday night football awaits for Melbourne City, who will look to extend their unbeaten start to the season against Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium.
As City prepare to take on the fourth placed Reds away from home, we take a look at the key talking points ahead of kick-off.
TOP FOUR CLASH
It’s 1st v 4th when City take on the Reds in what’s shaping up to be an entertaining clash in South Australia.
Both sides have started the season strongly – City head into the match unbeaten with four wins, two draws and zero losses, whilst Adelaide have won three games, recorded zero draws and three losses from the opening six rounds.
With both City and Adelaide in form and beginning the season strongly, Michael Matricciani and his team will be eager to extend the gap between the two sides.
BUSY HOLIDAY PERIOD
It’s the beginning of a hectic Christmas – New Year’s period for City, with Friday night’s clash the first of five games in three weeks.
It’s a crucial run of games and there’s no doubt that Matricciani will look to the depth of his squad to combat not only the busy schedule, but also the heat.
Rhianna Pollicina returns to the squad following illness, and we saw the impact of Holly McNamara and Lourdes Bosch off the bench last weekend.
Whether Matricciani looks to make changes this Friday remains to be seen, but one thing is sure, a successful string of games during the busiest period will set the tone for the remainder of the season and it all starts on Friday.
ALL OUT ATTACK
With 17 goals scored, City boasts the most lethal attack in the first six games.
The return of Holly McNamara in last week’s 4-2 win over Canberra United adds even more firepower alongside the likes of Lourdes Bosch, Rhianna Pollicina and Mariana Speckmaier – with City’s even spread of attacking options a key strength this season.
City may be spoiled for choice in the final third, but Adelaide United boats their own in-form striker, with Fiona Worts leading the league in goals scored this season, netting six goals in six games.
FIXTURE DETAILS
Ninja A-League: Round 8
Adelaide United v Melbourne City FC
Friday 20 December, 4:50PM (AEDT)
Coopers Stadium
