Adelaide United will be attempting to maintain the pressure on the A-League leaders as they continue to be a threat at the top of the table when they host Sydney FC.
The visitors currently sit mid-table, and if they want to qualify for the final series then the need to secure more points will likely be crucial.
Match preview
Adelaide United have found form at the perfect time this season, and that is why they head into this weekend with an 11 match unbeaten streak.
That is something the hosts will hope to extend, especially since a win would help the club place even more pressure on the current league leaders who sit just five points above them.
Adelaide United have been showcasing real attacking flair as of late, scoring 21 goals in their previous six games alone as they have blown past many of their opponents.
However, their offensive qualities were nearly not enough in their previous outing, as Western Sydney Wanderers pushed them all the way in a match that ended 3-2.
Carl Veart’s men have only lost a single game at home throughout this season which should bring them plenty of belief that they can continue that run this weekend.
However, Sydney FC have been a stronger unit on the road during this campaign, which will provide a stern test to the home record that the hosts are boasting.
The visitors were able to secure a point the last time they faced Adelaide United in a four-goal thriller, and repeating that would likely be welcomed this Friday.
This is particularly true after their 3-3 draw last time out extended their run without a win to three games, which is something they need to put behind them quickly.
With only four fixtures left, time is running out to secure a place in the top half of the table and with only a single point keeping them there right now, there is everything to play for.
Sydney FC face three teams below them in the table after this fixture, providing the club with a perfect opportunity to finish strong if they can kick-start a run.
Team News
Hiroshi Ibusuki got the chance to lead the line for Adelaide United last week and after rewarding the decision with a goal he will likely be hoping to keep his place in the team this time around.
Zach Clough is another attacking option that the hosts are sure to rely on, with the midfielder having been a bright spark throughout this campaign.
Max Burgess was brought back into the visiting team immediately after suspension last week, and it is likely that he is going to retain that place in the team.
Meanwhile Robert Mak will be hoping to lead the line again on Friday after he scored a brace during Sydney FC’s last outing.
Adelaide United possible starting lineup:
Gauci; Lopez, Barr, Popovic, Kitto; D’Arrigo, Alagich; Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Ibusuki
Sydney FC possible starting lineup:
Redmayne; Grant, Gurd, Wilkinson, King; Burgess, Brattan, Lolley, Caceres, Caballo; Mak