The Reds sit in second place four points behind league pacesetters Sydney FC and a win over the sixth-placed Victory would keep United in an encouraging position in the tightly fought competition.

Having conceded just two goals from five games, the Reds have the best defensive record in the league.

However after being held to a scoreless draw at home against Perth Glory last Sunday, United Youth Team Coach Joe Mullen says his team needs to start finding the back of the net and capitalising on its opportunities in attack.

“We’re defending quite well but we need to put more pressure on opposition teams in their defensive third and be more clinical in front of goal when we get the chance,” Mullen said.

“Saturday against Melbourne will be another good test for us. We won’t have any Hyundai A-League players again so it will be a good test for the core group.”

United will be without inspirational Captain Alex Sunasky for the match, the team’s general in midfield serving a one match suspension after accumulating four yellow cards.

“We’ll miss his (Sunasky’s) leadership because he is our captain and he leads the boys terrifically well on the field but in saying that, it gives someone else the chance to fill the void,” Mullen said.

Defender Michael Marrone is set to wear the captain’s armband against the Victory while the rest of the squad remains unchanged.

With Mullen trying to instil a more attacking mindset into his charges for Saturday’s clash, it promises to be a highly entertaining fixture between two rival clubs.

The match kicks off at 2.30pm (ACDT) and tickets can be purchased through Venue*Tix or at the gate.

Tickets prices for the match are as follows – Adults $8, Concession $4, Kids 15 & under FREE, Adelaide United 2008/09 Members FREE

National Youth League 2008/09 Season – Round 6
ADELAIDE UNITED FC v MELBOURNE VICTORY
Saturday 1 November 2008
Hindmarsh Stadium
Kick-Off: 2.30pm (ACDT)
Referee: Stephen Toth

Adelaide United squad: Lucas ANDREUCCI (gk), Michael DOYLE, Scott WEIDENBACH, Michael MARRONE, Joel ALLWRIGHT, Matthew MULLEN, Francesco MONTEROSSO, Osama MALIK, Shane TOBIAS, Angelo ARAMBATSIS, Andrew CIARLA, Michael DE BONO, Travis ANDERSON, Luke OSTBYE (gk)

Unavailable: Alexander SUNASKY (suspended – 1 match)

Melbourne Victory squad: Mijo MARINOVIC (gk), Robbie WYNNE, Matthew FOSCHINI, Steve PANTELIDIS (OA), Fabio DI LIZIA, Cameron DRAKE, Aziz BEHICH, Stephen HATZIKOSTAS, Dimitri HATZIMOURATIS, Steven PACE (OA), Damir LOKVANCIC, Boniel OBRADOVIC, Tedros YABIO

Unavailable: Antonio LA VERDE (knee – season), Andy JEREZ (broken leg – indefinite), Milos LUJIC (international duty – 3 weeks), Mathew THEODORE (promoted to HAL)