Photo: Emily Mogic Photography

State rivals Adelaide United travel to Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium this weekend for an important clash against a resurgent Melbourne Victory. 

Last round Adelaide suffered a demoralising 4-0 defeat at the hands of a vastly improved Newcastle Jets. Victory just managed a 1-1 draw against the Sky Blues with both sides probably rueing missed opportunities, taking away plenty of positives and a vital point.

Victory’s tie against Sydney was, by all accounts, a tough battle. A few yellow cards, a couple of injuries, plenty of chances and a plethora of saves had the enthusiastic holiday crowd feasting on superb football for the whole 90 minutes. 

Lisa De Vanna again proved that a sublime combination of speed, skill and tenacity can wreck havoc. Amy Jackson and Christine Nairn continued their valuable partnership in the midfield and super sub Gema Simon scored the all important equaliser late in the match. 

Custodian Bri Davey also delivered an impressive display and was called upon almost relentlessly to quell Sydney’s attack. 

Adelaide, by contrast, slumped to their fourth consecutive defeat but still managed to showcase some positives in their match against the Jets. Whilst the defense struggled with the pace of Rhali Dobson, their midfield and forwards created sufficient opportunities to pose a counterattack threat to the Jets and they shouldn’t be underrated.

Melissa Barbieri continues to be a standout for the Lady Reds but she needs to be more ably supported by her defensive pals if they have any chance to stop the Victory onslaught. 

[More: Quigley: I want to do my absolute best with Melbourne Victory]

Only the most ardent of Adelaide supporters would expect them to win this match and this is why. Victory are practically overqualified in every space. A world class goalkeeper and defense, united with an exciting midfield and then a potent attack which heralds great potential. 

What remains to be seen is how well this squad comes together on the day and if they are ready to reach that lofty potential. Melbourne will need to work their chances and finish with just a little more finesse. 

You can bleat all you like about how good Melbourne are, but any experienced sports fan will tell you to never count the underdogs out. Whilst Adelaide haven’t taken a point so far this season, they’ve proved that they’re not too far away and they’ve got plenty to offer.

Rachel Alonso has proved to the locals that she can score goals in the WPL, while the experience of Katrine Pedersen, Lisa-Marie Woods and the dangerous Kristy Moore should keep Melbourne on their toes.

Last time these two teams met, Melbourne took the three points in a close 1-0 rendezvous. That was back in was in round 6 last season.

In head to head encounters, these teams have played a nice even 10 times and Victory have the won every single contest. Food for thought or a streak to be broken?

Melbourne Victory v Adelaide United

Sunday 12 October 2014

Lakeside Stadium, Melbourne

Local kick-off: 3pm

* Catch all the action Live at 3.00pm nationally on ABC1. Or from Monday on ABC iView with a full replay at 3.30am on Tuesday.

** Listen LIVE on FFV Radio from 2.30pm. Head to www.footballfedvic.com.au or search 'FFV Radio' in the TuneIn smartphone app.

Melbourne Victory squad: 1. Brianna DAVEY (GK), 2. Hannah BREWER, 5. Lauren BARNES, 6. Gema SIMON, 7. Stephanie CATLEY (C), 8. Amy JACKSON, 10. Christine NAIRN, 11. Lisa DE VANNA, 12. Ella MASTRANTONIO, 14. Tiffany ELIADIS, 15. Emma CHECKER, 16. Beattie GOAD, 17. Gulcan KOCA, 18. Elli REED, 20. Cassandra DIMOVSKI (GK)

Ins: Tiffany Eliadis (promoted)

Outs: Racheal Quigley (concussion – 1 week)

Adelaide United squad: 1. Melissa Barbieri (gk), 2. Monique Iannella, 4. Lauren Steer, 6. Dylan Holmes, 7. Katrine Pedersen, 8. Emily Condon, 9. Lisa-Marie Woods, 11. Isabel Hodgson, 12.Daila-Tais Borg, 14. Rachel Alonso, 15. Jenna McCormick, 16. Katie Holtham, 17. Tiarn Powell, 20. Sarah Willacy (gk), 23. Kristy Moore (C)