Adelaide United will be attempting to extend their five-match undefeated streak on Sunday when they welcome Western Sydney Wanderers to Hindmarsh Stadium.
The visitors currently sit one place behind their opponents in the A-League table in fourth, and with just two points between them they could make a move up with a positive result.
Match preview
Adelaide United have enjoyed an almost perfect start to 2023, losing just one of their seven matches since the turn of the year, and they head into Sunday's fixture on the back of five games without a loss.
That run was pushed to the limit last weekend, though, when the Reds were involved in a five-goal thriller against Western United which saw the team come from two goals down to take all three points.
Goals from Zach Clough and Ryan Kitto gave Adelaide United plenty to fight for, and that is something they pushed to the limit as Craig Goodwin won the match with an 86th-minute penalty.
This helped to push the Reds up to third place and they are currently level on points with Central Coast Mariners who sit above them on goal difference right now.
Considering the fact that Adelaide United have lost just a single match at home throughout this campaign, they should have the confidence to push the two teams above them.
However, with the visitors only two points behind the Reds in the table, there is a lot to play for in this match for both teams as Western Sydney Wanderers could overtake them this weekend.
Marko Rudan will be wanting to see his team get straight back to winning ways after being defeated in their local derby against Sydney FC last weekend.
A goal from Max Burgess was enough to separate the two teams in that match as Western Sydney Wanderers could not find a way back into the game, which was not helped by Yeni Ngbakoto being sent off in the second half.
The visitors have struggled away from home this season which is something that the team needs to address as they have won just two matches on the road this season.
This is the first time that the two teams will meet this season, but after winning just once in their previous six matches it is something that Western Sydney Wanderers shall be hoping to win to release some of the pressure upon them.
Team News
Bernardo has successfully recovered from his metatarsal fracture, but this particular match is going to be too soon for him as he will not feature this weekend.
Juande is another injury problem that the hosts are dealing with, as he is currently on the shelf due to a broken leg.
The visitors will be making at least once change to the starting lineup due to the fact Ngbakoto is suspended which could open an opportunity for Nicolas Milanovic to start after making his debut from the bench.
The experience of Morgan Schneiderlin is something else that could be called upon from the first whistle this time as well from the midfield, adding a little more balance.
Adelaide United possible starting lineup:
Gauci; Lopez, Ansell, Popovic, Kitto; D'Arrigo, Alagich; Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Ibusuki
Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Thomas; Cleur, Mrcela, Marcelo, Traore; Amalfitano, Nieuwenhof; Wilmering, Bozanic; Milanovic, Borrello
We say: Adelaide United 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers
There is very little to split these two teams in the league table right now and that is something that should be reflected in this match.
However, the impressive run of form that Adelaide United are enjoying coupled with their brilliant performances at home this season should give them the edge.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
