Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory meet in a Friday night clash at Adelaide Oval. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:5pm (AEDT).
The unfamiliarity of the Victory’s position on the ladder creates an extra layer to this contest, one that always produces some fireworks. Epic battles have been fought between these two clubs and the Adelaide Oval provides the potential for a bumper crowd.
Two straight losses have seen the Victory slump to the bottom rung of the table and hopefully many of their enormous fan base will make the trip across to Adelaide, knowing how important a victory will be against United.
There will be no panic, with losses against Sydney FC and Melbourne City, the Melbournians have faced quality opposition. Kevin Muscat will be looking for calm and clinical and a solid result to get their season rolling.
For Adelaide, the week two, come from behind victory against Brisbane Roar was a triumph and the return of Karim Matmour makes them a potentially more difficult threat for Victory.
The combinations are still developing for Adelaide with new additions still finding their feet, however, they showed enough in the second half last week to suggest that, at their best, season thirteen will be a significant improvement on the one just passed.
Prediction
The Victory have far too much at stake to lose this game. Another loss and the top rungs on the ladder start looking a long way off, even at this early stage of the season. Adelaide will push them all the way yet Victory will reign in what could be a wild Friday night in the city of churches.
Adelaide 1, Victory 2
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 7:50pm (AEDT).
Nemesis
Guest
AUFC 4 Yellow Cards MVFC 3 Yellow Cards MVFC actually scored the first goal after AUFC had cynically fouled a player 10m outside the box.
Basil
Guest
If the cap fits...
Nemesis
Guest
Weird reading these blogs after watching the game. Judging by the biased remarks, clearly Adelaide didn't foul a single Victory player. All the rough stuff was from MV. No wonder few MV fans bother contributing to this forum any more.
Bfc
Guest
46 fouls, so "feisty" seems apt...and some cracking goals! Best 'double' for many a season...kudos to Vince Lia.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A good game Dani, not an outstanding one, but a really good contest.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory have fought out a tough 2-2 draw at Adelaide Oval with the home side potentially feeling a little unlucky in the end. The match began in an ugly fashion where an extended feeling out period hampered both of the teams as they strove to gain a physical ascendency in a contest that always demands toughness and ruthlessness. As the game finally began to flow, it was the Victory who found the net first as Besart Berisha scored off a beautiful Leroy George free-kick that exposed a clumsy Adelaide defence. Not ten minutes later, Vince Lia equalised for Adelaide with a cracking shot from the edge of the box and Victory seemed stunned. The half-time stats suggested Adelaide had had the slight dominance in possession and the momentum seemed to be in their favour as the second period began. It took until the sixty second minute for that dominance to pay off and Vince Lia slammed home the second of his goals to give the home side the lead. The Victory looked stunned and Kevin Muscat started to consider replacements in an attempt to salvage something from the wreck. He pulled the right reign and Mitch Austin snatched a loose ball in the box off a Beasrt Berisha shot to score the equaliser and save Victory from a truly embarrassing start to the season. Adelaide were again impressive and Victory looked short of goal scoring potential outside of Berisha. Both sides will take some positives yet also feel that the game was there to be won if chances were taken. Adelaide will certainly feel like it was one that got away. Final Score Adelaide 2 Victory 2
Fadida
Guest
Because he's a psycho
Stevo
Roar Rookie
The good, the bad and the ugly. Add a smattering of very well taken goals, Berisha's death stare and it's hard to say it wasn't entertaining. Thanks Stuart!
DaniE
Roar Guru
Only got to watch from the 90th minute (thanks, kids). Loved the tension in those last 5 minutes. Really enjoying the goal replay.
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Williams is very much riding his luck. Hopefully the last regular season game at Adelaide Oval as the contract is complete.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Match report to follow in 15 minutes. Thanks for being on board for the live coverage, what a great contest it was.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Full-time Adelaide 2 Victory 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Final seconds are with us.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
95' Adelaide 2 Victory 2
Stuart Thomas
Expert
93' Goal kick Victory from a good aerial attack by Adelaide.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
92' late changes for both teams as A Adelaide launch into attack.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Sorry if my last post was a little emotional, been at a funeral and wake and feeling a strong sense of perspective and positivity.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
No handball there
Stuart Thomas
Expert
90' Final minute of the game, a chance for both teams to steal the three points.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A couple of articles have been published on the Roar this week that fail to take into account the quality and energy around this and many other A-League games. Let's always be positive.