Melbourne City vs Adelaide United: A-League live scores, blog

Melbourne City and Adelaide United do battle at AAMI Park, with the Reds keen to move into the top four come the end of Round 14 A-League action. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 3pm (AEDT).

After a fortnight of failing to pick up the full complement of points, Melbourne City will be out to get things rolling again on their home deck against the rejuvenated Reds.

A draw with Brisbane last time out and another against the Wanderers in Round 12 have seen the A-League favourites stumble a little and fail to further stretch their lead on the ladder. The Mariners are now just five points behind and threatening to make what had seemed a fairly straightforward march to the Premier’s Plate a far more challenging one.

Adelaide have rediscovered some form after returning from the World Cup break in disappointing style. Losses to the Phoenix, Jets and Mariners have blotted the December/January copybook and in addition to a couple of draws, just two wins have been achieved across the last seven matches.

Yet there were positive signs against the Bulls last week and Victory a week earlier, with the team unbeaten recently and beginning to rediscover the form that had them in the top four throughout the early stages of the season.

Team news sees City remain very settled at the selection table, with Jordan Bos back into the match-day squad and all the front-line stars fit and ready to return the team to the winner’s circle.

Adelaide have lost Ben Warland to suspension, yet see Juande and Isaias return from their enforced time on the pine. Alex Popovic also returns, with his addition an important one considering the troubles Carl Veart has had with his defensive stocks in recent weeks.

Prediction

It is difficult to imagine City going three full weeks without picking up maximum points and they should win this one at home against what is a Reds team that always performs far better on its home deck.

Jamie Maclaren is unlikely to continue his two-week scoring drought, and Mathew Leckie and Marco Tilio will once again play the roles of creators. Adelaide will look to the inspirational Craig Goodwin, with Hiroshi Ibusuki due to burst out of his fine form with a goal that confirms his quality.

Melbourne City to win in one of the best games of the season.

Melbourne City 3, Adelaide United 2.

Game information

Venue: AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-off: 3pm (AEDT)
TV/Live stream: 10 Bold, Paramount+
Odds: City $1.55; Draw $4.20; United $5.25 – odds via PlayUp

Catch all the action on The Roar‘s live coverage from 3pm (AEDT).

Teams

Melbourne City

1. Tom GLOVER (GK), 2. Scott GALLOWAY, 3. Scott JAMIESON (C), 4. Nuno REIS, 6. Thomas LAM, 7. Mathew LECKIE, 8. Richard VAN DER VENNE, 9. Jamie MACLAREN, 10. Florin BERENGUER 13. Aiden O’NEILL, 14. Valon BERISHA, 15. Andrew NABBOUT, 16. Taras GOMULKA, 22. Curtis GOOD, 23. Marco TILIO, 25. Callum TALBOT, 33. Matthew SUTTON (GK), 34. Arion SULEMANI, 35. Raphael BORGES RODRIGUES, 38. Jordan BOS.

Adelaide United

1.James DELIANOV (gk), 4.Nick ANSELL, 6.Louis D’ARRIGO, 7.Ryan KITTO, 8.ISAÍAS, 9.Hiroshi IBUSUKI, 10.Zach CLOUGH, 11.Craig GOODWIN (c), 13.Lachlan BARR, 14.George BLACKWOOD, 21.Javi LÓPEZ, 26.Ben HALLORAN, 27.Josh CAVALLO, 28.JUANDE, 36.Panashe MADANHA, 37.Jonny YULL, 41.Alexandar POPOVIĆ, 46.Joe GAUCI (gk), 55.Ethan ALAGICH, 66.Nestory IRANKUNDA