After failing to win in their past three matches all against bottom-five sides, a statement victory in the Original Rivalry is paramount for Adelaide United.
Usually, just playing against Melbourne Victory is enough of an incentive for Adelaide and the Red Army to get up and about.
But this game has layers too it.
The Reds are in dire straits as a season that seemed so promising just four weeks ago, now looks like a season that could be slipping away.
Victory and Macarthur are breathing down the Reds’ necks as they sit only three points behind – with both sides having three and two games respectively up their sleeves.
Sydney FC and Wellington then sit only four points behind United – with the Nix having four extra games to make up.
To make matters worse, United have had no luck against their bitter rivals this season.
A 2-1 loss at Coopers Stadium in December was followed by another 2-1 home defeat in the FFA Cup quarter-finals just three weeks later.
It then took a 91st minute equaliser from Craig Goodwin to rescue a draw in their most recent match up in January.
“The cup game when we played against them, we were the better team,” Goodwin said mid-week.
“But mistakes cost us, and in all our games against Victory we have been punished by our own mistakes.”
Club legend Isaías will also make his 200th appearance for the Reds, making him only the second United player to reach this milestone.
“It’s a special, special number for me and my family,” Isaías said.
“To play 200 games for Adelaide United is so special.”
Making sure that United congratulate one of their all-time greats in his 200th appearance will be front of mind as Isaías’s love for Adelaide United is undisputed.
“To experience a different league, learn a new language, become an Australian citizen and now play 200 games for Adelaide – I am very happy and very proud,” Isaías said.
“It’s a special club, a special city and after being here for a few years, this is my home.”
Featured image credit: Jordan Trombetta
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