Adelaide United are set to face last season’s grand finalists, Adelaide City, in Round 3 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues at The Parks Football Centre on Saturday.
Adelaide United have had a disappointing start to their National Premier Leagues campaign, without a win in two rounds, and will be looking to re-group against last year’s grand finalists Adelaide City.
Both Adelaide United and Adelaide City met in 2016, firstly in Round 7, where the Young Reds suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat at Adelaide City Park, and again in Round 18, the result 1-3.
Last match day, United fell 2-4 to Adelaide Comets, due to two late goals, while the Black and White’s wore the shining armour over their Para Hills opponents in a 3-0 display.
Young Reds Head Coach, Huss Skenderovic, acknowledged Adelaide City’s strength as one of the best sides in the National Premier Leagues and it will be a difficult match-up for United on Saturday, but believes both their footballing styles will coincide.
“I have watched Adelaide City play, and in my opinion, they are one of the benchmark teams in the competition,” Skenderovic said.
“It will be a very difficult game for us, but the key is that City are not a very physical side, they are more of a ball-playing team so that might suit us well.
“I think after our second-half last Friday night against Adelaide Comets, the way that we played was definitely encouraging and if we can apply that, there is a possibility we can upset Adelaide City.”
Commenting on his Captain, Josh Mori, in facing his old Club, and father Damian, Skenderovic noted that both Mori’s will want to come out with a win on what will be a much anticipated game.
“Josh is a professional like his father, and they are both set on their paths with Josh playing and Damian coaching, but when it comes to match day, they will both be wanting to win,” Skenderovic continued.
“It is a great occasion as there is a bit of history between the father and son in football, but it doesn’t happen very often, but the game between the two sides will be exciting either way.”
Defensive areas of the Reds’ game is still a top priority for Skenderovic, and his young side must continue to work on and improve those aspects.
“We conceded late last week, and as they are young boys, they lacked that concentration for a full game, so that is one thing we have worked on this week.
“Concentrating on our positional play and where they need to be when they lose the ball.
“But there are many positives, as we kept the ball better and were more aggressive in that second-half so we just have to keep building and be patient and hope that things will turn around quickly.”
