Western United’s clash with Adelaide United this Australia Day is set to be a blockbuster.
VU Whitten Oval in Footscray will host A-League football for the first time ever.
And it’s fifth and sixth on the table (going into Round 16) who meet.
It will also be the first official meeting between the two sides. The Green and Black and Reds couldn’t be separated during a September pre-season friendly in Ballarat, the game finishing goalless in wintry conditions.
This Sunday’s clash, however, holds more importance than a pre-season hit-out.
Just one spot on the table separates the Green and Black from the Reds.
Western United, currently in fifth with 20 points. Reds in sixth with 18.
Mark Rudan’s side will look to bring the same intensity as they did in last week’s first half against the Mariners. Three goals in the first 21 minutes set up a convincing 3-0 win at GMHBA Stadium.
What’s more, Besart Berisha will line up for his 200th Hyundai A-League game when he lines up against the Reds.
The A-League’s all-time leading marksman has scored eight goals since returning to Australia, including six in his last six games.
“It’s really important to also play in the inner west,” Berisha told www.wufc.com.au
“We are a club from the West and a lot of supporters are living around here. And they sometimes don’t have a chance to go to Geelong or Ballarat where we also play.”
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Meanwhile, Adelaide ended a run of four straight losses last week with a 1-0 win over rivals Melbourne Victory.
The Reds have collected 18 points this season and have a game in hand over the Green and Black. A win for the Reds would see them jump the Victorians on the table and push for a top-four spot.
Kick-off is 6:00pm this Sunday at VU Whitten Oval.
Click here to get your tickets.
