On Sunday morning the Adelaide United Youth Team will host Melbourne Victory Youth Team in Round 12 of the Foxtel National Youth League.
Now, going four games unbeaten with two draws away from home in the last two weeks, Coach Michael Valaknis is happy of the teams approach and improvement since round one.
“Overall we’ve been really happy with the way they’ve gone about their effort, and they’ve worked really hard over the past few weeks…to get two results away from home against two very good sides,” said Valkanis.
“(They’re) starting to understand our style of play, and understand the way we want to attack.
“I think they’ve clicked into gear.”
And with the hot weather hitting Adelaide over the past couple of days, the team has been monitored to make sure that the players are fit come Sunday morning.
“We try to guide them (the players) and explain to them the importance of keeping out of the sun,” explained Valkanis.
“It becomes ever so important to really follow our philosophy on the weekend and keep the ball, because if we keep the ball we will run a little bit less.
With such a strong rivalry between the two clubs who have shared some heated encounters over the past at senior level, the rivalry looks to be just as strong amongst the youth team.
“The boys, wether they’re playing for Melbourne Victory or they’re playing for Adelaide United they know the rivalry,” said Valkanis.
“They know theyre playing for two teams at senior level where it does get very heated, very intense, and I think the games between us in the past have been like that.
“Both teams are always trying to play attacking football, (and) will try to win the game instead of just going out there to save the game, or to wait for someone to slip up.”
Back at home for the first time in a few weeks, Adelaide will look to take all three points.
With both teams looking to play an attacking brand of football with the possibility of lots of goals, this would be a game not to miss.
“I think it’s going to be a good game to watch,” said Valkanis.
“We haven’t played at home now for three weeks so we’re looking forward (to the home match).
“Both teams will be playing attacking football, free flowing football and try to create as many chances as possible, so the best attacking team will probably take away the three points.
Adelaide United Youth Team will take on Melbourne Victory Youth Team this Sunday morning at the Adelaide Football Shores Sports Complex. Kick-off 11:00am. Free entry.
