NPL Round 16 Preview: Adelaide Comets v Adelaide City

Fresh off a commanding 3-0 victory over MetroStars, Adelaide City heads across town on Friday night to face Adelaide Comets in Round 16 of the RAA National Premier League.

Kick-off is scheduled for 8:30pm at LJ Hooker-Mile End Sports Park (Ellis Park), with the Black & Whites looking to continue their strong run of form.

City enters the clash sitting third on the NPL ladder with 29 points, just two points behind MetroStars and three behind leaders WT Birkalla. A victory would further strengthen the Club's push towards the top of the table heading into the second half of the season.

Last weekend, Head Coach Vas Parhas' side produced one of its most complete performances of the campaign, defeating second-placed MetroStars 3-0 at Adelaide City Park. Japanese forward Yuki Kitano starred with a clinical hat-trick, while 19-year-old Charles Junior Ayang made his senior debut, highlighting Adelaide City's continued commitment to developing young talent.

Friday night's fixture could also see the debuts of two exciting new signings. Australian youth international Bailey O'Neil has joined the Black & Whites from the Adelaide United Youth Team and is available for selection, while dynamic winger Alex Battistella returns to his junior club after making 33 appearances and scoring eight goals for the Adelaide United Youth Team. A product of Adelaide City's pathway, Battistella has signed until the end of the 2027 season, marking an exciting homecoming for one of the Club's own.

Adelaide Comets come into Friday night's contest following a 1-1 draw with Adelaide United last weekend. Currently sitting 11th on the ladder, the Comets have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks and will be looking to make home advantage count.

The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Adelaide City produce one of its best attacking displays of the campaign, running out 5-1 winners at Adelaide City Park. The Black & Whites will be aiming to replicate that performance as they chase another valuable three points.

With the race at the top of the table continuing to tighten, every point is becoming increasingly important. Another victory on Friday night would not only continue City's strong momentum but further strengthen its position among the competition's frontrunners.

Match Details

Adelaide Comets vs Adelaide City

RAA National Premier League – Round 16

Friday, 26 June 2026

Kick-off: 8:30pm

Venue: LJ Hooker-Mile End Sports Park (Ellis Park)