R16 Preview - MetroStars vs. Croydon Kings

We preview Round 16 in the National Premier Leagues - SA competition as North Eastern MetroStars host Croydon Kings at T.K. Shutter Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

MetroStars are coming off a 1-1 draw with Adelaide Comets (match highlights here) last Saturday evening. MetroStars went ahead in the first half to a Anthony Solagna header. Kon Antoniou's Comets side come out strong in the second half and grabbed themselves an equaliser through Allan Welsh. Both teams had chances to grab a winner late on but Metro had to settle for third consecutive draw at home.

Meanwhile Croydon Kings are coming off a narrow 1-0 loss away to Adelaide Olympic. FFA Cup hero Jacob Butler-Bowdon gave Olympic the lead in the 24th minute and Angelo Costanzo's men couldn't make a breakthrough. Croydon are currently 7th on the ladder and six points behind third placed MetroStars.

MetroStars almost have a clean bill of health once again. Tom Strain is still recovering from a long-term hamstring injury. Cohan Morris made his comeback through the reserves last week, playing 70 minutes and coming through unscathed. Nahuel Bonada made a lively debut from the bench last week from the bench and will fighting hard for a starting spot.

MetroStars Squad: 1. Isaac Carmody 2. Nicholas Menechella, 3. Cohan Morris, 4. Justin Davis, 6. Lachlan Barr, 7. Michael D'Aloisio (c), 8. Rocky Callisto, 10. Anthony Solagna, 11. Matthew Charalambous, 12. Benjamin Head, 14. Dylan Smith, 15. Liam Wooding, 16. Alexander Jakob, 17. Matthew Dawber, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 19. Cooper O’Donnell, 20. Cameron O'Doherty, 22. Hamish Gow, 23. Christian Esposito, 24. Nahuel Bonada 25. Jackson O’Donnell, 26. Stefan Cali

Croydon Kings Squad: 1. Sebastian Matosevic, 2. John Panagaris, 3. James Polli, 4. Alex Sunasky, 5. James Skeffington, 6. K Stokes, 9. Nathan Munro, 10. Luke Klimek, 12. C Vivian, 13. E Scardigno, 14. Paul Mercurio, 15. J Ichiguchi, 16. Adam Martinello, 17. A Demasi, 18. Jarred Brazzale, 19 M Haruoka, 20. Z Heinicke, 21. John Hall (GK), 23. P Caraccia

Anthony Solagna gave MetroStars the lead last weekend against Adelaide Comets. Photo credit: Joe Janko

Form (last 5 games):

MetroStars 1-1 Adelaide Comets

MetroStars 3-3 South Adelaide

MetroStars 1-1 Adelaide United

MetroStars 5-0 Adelaide Blue Eagles

MetroStars 4-1 Para Hills Knights

Adelaide Olympic 1-0 Croydon Kings

Croydon Kings 0-0 Para Hills Knights

South Adelaide 1-1 Croydon Kings

Adelaide Comets 0-2 Croydon Kings

Croydon Kings 2-0 Adelaide City

Last 5 meetings:

23.3.19 - Croydon Kings 1-1 MetroStars

28.7.18 - Croydon Kings 1-4 MetroStars

28.4.18 - MetroStars 2-1 Croydon Kings

25.4.18 - Croydon Kings 2-1 MetroStars

2.9.17 - MetroStars 1-2 Croydon Kings

MetroStars are looking to end a run of three consecutive draws at home. Photo credit: Joe Janko

Come and join us Saturday afternoon for a massive game of football! Alternatively, you can follow live updates on our Twitter @NE_MetroStars or by using the hashtag #MetroStars.

Referee Appointments:

Daniel Elder - Referee

Robert Dragoljevic - Assistant Referee 1

Finley Drewniak-Sandery - Assistant Referee 2

MetroStars vs. Croydon Kings Saturday 6th July - 3PM

Reserves 12:45PM | U18 10:30AM

T.K. Shutter Reserve, Klemzig