Round 2 of the Izuzu UTE A-League sees Melbourne City FC taking on Adelaide United at Coopers Stadium this Saturday night.
The City boys will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and maintain a positive atmosphere as they head into a busy late-November, early-December schedule.
Though we’re only two competitive games in, City has started the 2021/22 season well, winning both its FFA Cup Round of 32 fixture against South Melbourne and its A-League Men season opener against Brisbane Roar.
City’s win over the Roar was far from a complete performance though, with the visiting side coming close to leaving AAMI with a point, despite our domination of the possession and shooting statistics.
It took until late in the first half for City to find the first goal of the game, with Curtis Good netting from close range after the ball fell to his feet following Macklin Freke’s save to deny Jamie Maclaren following the corner.
Fortunately, it would be only three minutes later that City’s lead was doubled through Connor Metcalfe, who was found in space by a brilliant ball from Scott Jamieson before stepping inside and rifling his shot into the back of the net courtesy of a deflection.
The home team had been looking to kill off the game throughout the second half, but it was an inspired substitution by Warren Moon that shifted the balance, with Luke Ivanovic coming on to head past Tom Glover and make it 2-1.
Brisbane thought they’d completed the comeback with 10 minutes remaining after Kai Trewin found the back of the net with a header from Jay O’Shea’s free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside and the Roar were unable to equalise before the final whistle.
Whilst you can’t ask for much more than three points to start the season, we’re without doubt that Patrick Kisnorbo will be looking for an improved performance from his side when they face Adelaide United this Saturday.
The Reds were able to secure a 1-1 draw away from home against Perth Glory on Saturday night, with Kusini Yengi opening the scoring in the 22nd minute before Bruno Fornaroli scored a long-range stunner to level things up before the half.
Adelaide dominated the ball with 61% possession, but couldn’t convert in front of goal, with their inferior shooting accuracy undermining their five-shot advantage over their opposition on the night.
Current FFA Cup-holders, United, are in the midst of another strong campaign having already progressed to the Quarter-Finals, winning their earlier fixtures against Floreat Athena (3-1) and Adelaide Olympic (1-0).
City fans will again be hoping for a Club debut for new signing Manuel Pucciarelli, with the Italian in contention for a place in Kisnorbo’s matchday squad following his involvement in a friendly against Avondale FC last Saturday.
The City boys will have to overcome some poor recent history when playing away to United, with the team not having won any of its past four fixtures in South Australia, scoring once and conceding 10 in that time.
Match Details
Izuzu UTE A-League Round 2
Adelaide United FC vs Melbourne City FC
Saturday 27 November, kick-off 7:45pm (AEDT)
Coopers Stadium
