Since becoming Adelaide United’s head coach at the start of last season, Gui Amor hasn’t been under the kind of pressure he is under now.

Adelaide face bitter rivals Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and another insipid performance from his team could spell the end for the Spanish great at Coopers Stadium.

With just one win under his belt since beginning a title defence at the start of the season, Amor’s stocks are rapidly depleting.

At first comparisons were made between this season and last, when the Reds were able to turn a winless first eight rounds into an astonishing premiership victory that blindsided the entire league. But now, 13 weeks in, Adelaide United has only one win to show for its efforts. What’s worse, though, is the series of drubbings it has received in the last few weeks.

And now, against Melbourne Victory, it could all come unstuck. If Adelaide gets thrashed at home by Kevin Muscat’s inform side then expect Adelaide United fans to demand that heads roll.

One would expect the Adelaide squad to bring its best against its greatest enemy, but too often this season the Reds have started well only to fall apart when the going gets tough. Against Sydney two weeks ago a quality first half gave way to a 4-0 thrashing, all in front of a seething Coopers Stadium crowd.

If the same is seen against Victory, it’s hard to see how Amor can keep his job. His depleted squad isn’t responding to pressure, and for that as coach Amor must shoulder the blame. He built this squad, if it’s not good enough then that is his fault.

If the Reds’ response is good, then it could buy Amor some much needed time. Even a draw would offer a sense of relief for Adelaide, given the way the two teams are playing in the league at the moment.

Don’t expect a season turnaround though, 2016/17 is a write off for Adelaide United.

But a shred of dignity in the latter stages of the campaign could see Amor through to next season, where the Reds must reset.

However a big loss on Saturday will be a complete embarrassment for the reigning champions, and could well be the catalyst for heated board meetings on Monday morning.