NPL Round 12 Preview: West Adelaide v Adelaide City

Old foes resume hostilities when Adelaide City takes on West Adelaide in the ‘Adelaide Derby’ in Round 12 of the RAA National Premier League on Sunday.

Six points separates the two sides in the standings with City occupying fourth spot on 19 points, while newly promoted Hellas sit ninth with 13 points.

The Black and Whites come into the contest on a three-match unbeaten streak but have drawn their previous two games – coughing up a two-goal lead in a 2-2 stalemate against FK Beograd last weekend.

West Adelaide’s form has been patchier. However, they snapped a six-game winless run with an emphatic 4-1 win over highflyers Playford City in their most recent outing and will be looking draw confidence from that match.

In the corresponding fixture between the two teams in opening round, Vas Parhas’ side prevailed 2-1 at Oakden, coming from behind with two first-half goals from Nicholas Bucco and Daniel Bressan.

That was the first competitive meeting between the two proud clubs since 2023 – with City triumphing in their preceding three encounters.

In fact, the last defeat the Black and Whites suffered at the hands of their fierce rivals was a 3-0 loss in April 2019.

Indeed, It is a fixture the Zebras have dominated over the years and since 2016 they have won nine of their past 11 matches, leaving one draw and that defeat seven years ago.

Both sides will be desperate for the victory for differing reasons.

City will want to strengthen its position and close the gap at the top, juxtaposed against Westies looking to climb further away from the relegation zone while keeping alive its dream of a finals tilt upon returning to the topflight.

Match Details

West Adelaide vs Adelaide City

RAA National Premier League – Round 12

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Kick-off: 4:45pm

Kilburn Sportsplex