Adelaide United play host to Western United on Sunday with the possibility that the A-League Premiers title may already be out of their reach.
At a time when the home team sit in second spot in the standings, Western United find themselves down in 10th position.
Match preview
While prevailing in the A-League Finals is at the top of every club's priority list, Adelaide United have given themselves a chance of winning the Premiers during the regular season.
Carl Veart's side have put together an impressive 12-game unbeaten streak since the middle of January, including claiming a 3-3 draw at leaders Melbourne City.
Nevertheless, should the frontrunners defeat Central Coast Mariners on Saturday, they will be crowned Premiers champions, leaving Adelaide to try to make sure of second spot.
At a time when they trail Melbourne City by seven points, the Reds sit just four points above Central Coast Mariners, meaning that there will be mixed emotions over the preceding game between their rivals given that a Premiers title success is highly unlikely.
Adelaide's four-match winning streak came to an end last time out as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Sydney FC, the mid-table side equalising seven minutes from time.
As far as Western United are concerned, they have recently dropped off in form, a three-match winning streak being followed by one point being collected from a possible nine.
Last time out, John Aloisi's side went down by a 3-0 scoreline at home to Central Coast Mariners, their third defeat on familiar territory in four attempts.
On a more positive note, Western United have collected seven points from their most recent four away fixtures, which includes a 3-3 draw at Sydney at the beginning of April.
While Western United head into this game sitting just one point off bottom, they are also just three points adrift of sixth position, a scenario which will motivate them to cause an upset against their in-form hosts.
Team News
Barring any injury issues, Veart may be prepared to name the same Adelaide United starting lineup from the Sydney game.
While Ethan Alagich is an option to return in midfield, the likes of Jay Barnett and Zach Clough should keep their spots in the team.
Alexandar Popovic will also have to remain patient for a return to the defence having not started since the end of February.
Alterations are also expected with the Western United XI with Tomoki Imai an option to replace Nikolai Topor-Stanley in the middle of the defence.
However, Alessandro Diamanti, who is 39 years of age, is expected to remain on the substitutes' bench, as is Sebastian Pasquali who has also recently returned from injury.
Adelaide United possible starting lineup:
Gauci; Lopez, Barr, Warland, Kitto; Barnett, D'Arrigo; Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Ibusuki
Western United possible starting lineup:
Young; Risdon, Lacroix, Imai, Garuccio; Pierias, Doumbia, Lustica, Pain; Wales, Botic
We say: Adelaide United 2-1 Western United
There is every chance that Adelaide United may enter this contest feeling less motivated due to the Premiers situation. Nevertheless, we still expect the home side to do enough for maximum points, albeit by a tighter scoreline than many will anticipate.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
