Craig Goodwin says Adelaide United will not accept anything less than a win against Brisbane Roar in tomorrow’s crucial ANZAC Day clash.
The Reds travel to Brisbane controlling their own destiny, knowing a win will seal fourth spot and a home Elimination Final.
Goodwin said not having to rely on a favourable result in Perth Glory’s match with Wellington Phoenix if they prevail is a good thing.
“I think the good thing is, is that it’s in our hands,” he told reporters at Adelaide Airport.
“So we know what we’ve got to do and I think we’re confident in the way we’ve been, obviously the last few weeks have been good for us.
“A good result against Victory at home and everyone is coming back fit now.
“Baba (Diawara) is in the squad as well which I think is a big plus for us, hopefully he can get some game time and get amongst the goals.
“So I think we’re very confident coming into this last game and into the Final Series, but we know we’ve got to be on our game because Brisbane is a tricky customer.”
It's an attacking squad named for Brisbane. #AUFC #BRIvADL
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— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) April 24, 2019
Goodwin admitted he was not entirely sure what to expect against a Brisbane side who cannot make finals.
However, one thing the 27-year-old is anticipating, is the Roar to play with a bit more aggression following their 6-1 loss at the hands of Newcastle Jets.
He also suggested that Robbie Fowler’s appointment as head coach of the Roar for next season may also motivate players with expiring contracts.
“It’s always difficult to say,” he explained.
“It’s obviously one you can’t take too lightly, they don’t have anything to play for in terms of the league table.
“But with Robbie Fowler coming in as their coach all their players have got something to prove to him and a lot of them are fighting for contracts as well.
“So I think generally when a team has a bad result they bounce back because everyone lifts that little bit more and they try and show and try and prove everyone wrong from the last result.
“So we have to be on our game, we’ve to be switched on, and we want to pick up the three points in this game.
“We want to secure fourth spot without any question and having to worry about that and we want to put in a good performance to set us up for the first game in the Finals Series.”
FAN DAY! Watch the @aufc_YouthTeam with our squad on Saturday, 27 April!
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Goodwin was optimistic about the Reds’ prospects of doing damage in the Finals Series, particularly if they can begin the knockout format at Coopers Stadium to help build momentum.
He added Victory taking out the Hyundai A-League Championship last season from fourth place proves anything can happen.
“I think history has shown from the Finals Series the teams that finish in first and second have the best chance of winning the Grand Final,” he said.
“And until last year with Victory no one has ever won it from being outside of one and two so I think the good thing is Victory has shown that it’s possible to win from outside of those spots.
“But for us we’re very confident at home in front of a packed house at Coopers Stadium, there’s no better stadium in the league and come finals time there’s a great atmosphere, so for us it’s really important.”
Adelaide United face Brisbane Roar in Round 27 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Thursday, 25 April at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off is at 1.30pm ACST. Live on Fox Sports, and streamed on the My Football Live App and Kayo Sports.
