Melbourne Victory will be out to arrest a two-game losing slump when they host Adelaide United at Etihad Stadium. Join us for live scores and commentary from 7.45pm AEDT.
The last time these two teams met they played out a thrilling 2-2 all draw at Coopers Stadium, Adelaide took a 2-nil lead only to have the Victory come back and steal a point in the final 15 minutes.
The match wasn’t without controversy with Adelaide scoring first through a penalty to Cirio after it was deemed that Neumann was brought down by Victory keeper Coe.
Then just two minutes later Adelaide was two up thanks to a retaken free kick which deflected off the post and Neumann tapped it in.
Victory’s fightback in the match started when Finkler scored 12 minutes from time, the comeback was completed three minutes into stoppage time with Troisi sending a rocket off the cross bar and into the net.
Credit must go to the Victory in the last game showing some spirit to come back from two goals down in the last 15 minutes, however this time around they won’t want to give Adelaide a generous start again.
New Victory coach Kevin Muscat will be homing that a return home will help his team’s recent poor form. Melbourne returns on the back of consecutive losses to both Sydney teams in the last two rounds.
History is against the Big V here as they have only beaten Adelaide once in their last nine meetings, before that however Adelaide lost 10 matches in a row from September 2008 to October 2010.
They also are entering this game on the back of some poor form as well.
Adelaide have failed to win a game since the opening round this year and yet could still leap frog the Victory if they win, this shows you how poor both teams are travelling.
The Gamebreaker – Archie Thompson
Down on his regular output Thompson has struggled on recent times. His last two seasons have seen a decline in his scoring output.
Thompson has scored 16 goals in 49 games, down on his A-League scoring rate of almost one in two matches.
His reason form has been promising with the 35-year-old scoring two goals in his last three games which might indicate that he is back in form.
Coming up against one of the worst defences in the competition is always another reason he could produce the goods.
Thompson also needs just four goals to go past Shane Smeltz as the all-time leading goalscorer in the A-League.
Prediction
Expect goals in this one, both Melbourne and Adelaide have scored eight goals this season which is equal second.
The Reds have conceded nine goals which is the equal worse defensive record in the competition and the Victory have allowed eight goals so far.
The Victory will be set to welcome back Milligan from international duty who was superb in the Socceroos’ 1-0 over Costa Rica.
That alone will set the game in Melbourne’s favour and with a big crowd expected I can’t see Melbourne losing.
Victory 3-1 Adelaide
Clayts
Guest
Interesting how people say these positive things about Adelaide but don't give Heart the same latitude. Facts are, should Heart win today, Reds will only be ahead of them on goal difference.
Clayts
Guest
I reckon 20k against an original derby opposition for Victory on a Saturday night is a pretty ordinary crowd. Where are all these supposed Victory fans? Biggest club in the land only getting a handful more than Brisbane who had to play the same night as the ashes were on, and for a traditional derby.
Cameron Kellett
Guest
Cheers Brent.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
20,064 was the official attendance tonight.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Their defence needs a lot of work, Gombau can have some more time but he needs to start getting some results and hopefully he can as good play will get the fans through the gates. They play some good football but like you said lack some killer instinct.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Not sure they didn't display it. Looked like another good crowd, football is on the rise!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
My man of the match for tonight was Nathan Coe followed closely by Mitch Nichols.
Cameron Kellett
Guest
What was the attendance guys?
Legro
Guest
Although a very disappointing loss for Adelaide, but Gombau needs a lot more time with this team - you could see there's a lot of purpose in their play, just lacking the killer instinct. Their defence needs a total overhaul though, still a great win for Victory - this is the kind of games that boosts confidence for a team that was desperate for a win.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Well that's all from me tonight, I hope you have enjoyed another special clash between these two rivals, Adelaide certainly missed Cassio after he went down. We won't have commentary but be sure to check in for live scores of the next match on Super Saturday between the Perth Glory and the Central Coast Mariners. http://www.theroar.com.au/2013/11/23/perth-glory-vs-central-coast-mariners-a-league-live-scores-4/
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time Victory 3 - 0 United What a game Victory scored early but could've been in trouble after Leijer was sent off early in the first half. Adelaide are certainly in crisis mode at the moment, they had a penalty which was poorly taken by Cirio and then Victory went from end to end and Thompson sent a dagger through the Reds heart. Moments later Galekovic mistimed a Coe ball downfield and Nichols tapped it in and the rest was history! If you're an Adelaide fan you would be bitterly disappointed. You dominated everything and still got absolutely punished, the passing from defence is a shambles and Gambou would be feeling nervous!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Full Time Victory 3 - 0 United Lustica has a driving shot but it doesn't trouble Coe who saves it, full time as the Reds can't make anything of their 10th corner. They won that count 10-1!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
90+3 Victory 3 - 0 United Coe makes another save and Adelaide have a chance to get a goal, it's brought away. Comes back in and a scramble in the box and a blocked shot from Djite is the result. Not one thing has gone right for Adelaide tonight, 1 minute of pain left.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'90 Victory 3 - 0 United Adelaide play some fancy balls through midfield but it's all too late. Traore gets a free for being elbowed after kicking it away. Reds have had just 2 shots on target tonight after they have dominated possession. They would want a consolation goal. 4 minutes left here.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'89 Victory 3 - 0 United Pain is fine by the way, the ball is played by Galekovic down field and Djite comes from an offside position. Well this is catastrophic for the Reds and even at this rate the Heart would be smiling ahead of next weeks fixture!!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'86 Victory 3 - 0 United Coe makes another great save the Reds have another chance but they are denied by I think Mahazi who clears for a corner. Thompson comes off and Finkler comes on.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Drink it in Tommy!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'85 Victory 3 - 0 United Gives us a quick moment to reflect on recent events. Cirio misses a penalty, Victory then go the length of the field and score through Thompson. Moments later Coe sends a goal kick downfield, Galekovic misses it completely and Nichols taps in Galekovic nearly makes the same mistake again as play gets back underway.
SportsFingers
Roar Pro
VICTORY!!!!!!! That's how we like it boys. Finally a good satisfying win. What a save by Nathan Coe and clever thinking my Nicolls once again. Carn Melbourne!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
'83 Victory 3 - 0 United Pain goes down clutching his knee this doesn't look good...