Adelaide United Youth return to action for the first time in two weeks against Melbourne City Youth at CB Smith Reserve on Sunday.
After suffering a 2-1 loss to Melbourne Victory last time out, Paul Pezos’ side will look to bounce back and keep pace with ladder leader Brisbane Roar.
Young Reds centre-back, Jared Clark, said they are anticipating a tough game, based on past experience.
“We’re definitely expecting a tough match,” Clark said.
“Coming up against them before it’s been pretty feisty encounters and the scores have been pretty close each time.
“But we want to go out and press and get on the scoresheet early on.”
City lost to Brisbane Roar 3-1 last weekend and sit on six points, compared to Adelaide who lie in second spot three points behind the Roar.
Clark said the break has allowed the team work on a few of the tactical aspects of the game.
“We’ve definitely been working on our pressing for the Melbourne City game,” he said.
“How we’re going to set up when they play out and also how we play out to play to our strengths.”
The defender felt his side have been solid to start the season and was pleased with the defensive unit as a whole.
However, Clark believed they could improve on being more resolute at the back.
“We haven’t been doing too bad at the back,” he said.
“I think we’ve probably conceded too many goals obviously we’ve been conceding one or two goals a game.
“But I think those are purely through one percenters and small mistakes that lead to those chances.
“But I think overall from the back and then leading up into the midfield and front three we’ve been good all across the park.”
Adelaide United Youth face Melbourne City in Round 7 of the Foxtel Y-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 23 December at CB Smith Reserve. Kick-off is at 3.30pm ACDT.
