The A-League semi-finals kick-off in Adelaide as Melbourne City look to get revenge for their Round 27 loss at Coopers Stadium.
Adelaide’s finals series woes
When Adelaide were handed the Premiers Plate in a closed-door ceremony mid-week, the side lifted their first piece of A-League silverware in 11 seasons. While certainly a joyous occasion, the Reds will likely be wary to celebrate too hard given their poor history in finals football, one that has made a Champions trophy remain elusive. In fact, statistically they have the second worst finals record of any side, winning just three of their 17 post-season clashes, – including 2014-15’s loss to Sydney and two Grand Final defeats to Melbourne Victory – a record they will be hoping to put behind them on Friday.
READ MORE: A-League – Match Preview – Adelaide United vs Melbourne City
What City side will turn up?
Melbourne City have been the epitome of inconsistency this season, with their turn in form to nab a victory over Perth Glory last weekend the perfect example. Against Adelaide, they have won three of the last five meetings, including a triumph at Coopers Stadium (United’s only loss in their past nine at home), meaning they have certainly got the potential to progress to the grand final – so long as their quality on paper matches their quality on the pitch. With Harry Novillo still suspended and Adelaide fielding an almost first-choice squad, once again there will be more pressure on Aaron Mooy and Bruno Fornaroli to perform. But should they replicate some of their best form this season, it could well be the deciding factor.
Can we expect an open free-flowing clash?
Both of these sides have made their name this season off the back of attractive, exciting football with the likes of Mooy, Fornaroli and Novillo headlining Melbourne City, and Bruce Djite, Marcelo Carusaca, Pablo Sanchez and Isaias starring for United. While individually they have been tantalising, against one-another the fixtures have been equally free flowing – culminating in an incredible 18 goals scored from their last five encounters. That said, those meetings came in regular season football, meaning both had reasonably less to lose. This weekend, fans and neutrals alike will be hoping the nature of a knockout clash does not jeopardise that style and force a cagey contest.
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