Gertjan Verbeek is anticipating another gruelling encounter against Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday night.
The Reds laboured to a 1-0 win over the Roar the last time these sides met back in early November.
Adelaide come into the clash on the back of a three-match winning streak and will be determined to continue their stranglehold on top-six spot.
The Reds have won their previous four games against the Roar and have tasted success in three of their past five visits to Suncorp Stadium.
As for the Roar, their five-match unbeaten run was snapped last weekend courtesy of a 1-0 loss to Sydney FC.
But Verbeek is predicting a resolute Brisbane team which will make it difficult for United to create opportunities based on their last meeting.
“They’ve an interesting strategy, it’s difficult to make a lot of chances against them,” he said.
“They’ve a good defence, at home we only won 1-0 and we gave some chances away.
“I think it will be a hard way to go to get the three points, but we’ll attack and see if it’s enough.”
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Stefan Mauk is expected to make his first Reds appearance upon his return to the Club, incidentally against his former side. Fifteen-year-old Mohamed Toure, the younger brother of Al Hassan has been included and if he features he will be the second youngest player in the Club’s history to make his debut.
Verbeek discussed the reason behind Toure’s surprise selection.
“I watched trainings, I’ve watched friendly games and I’ve watched games of the Youth Team,” he said.
“And when you have some injuries you have to think about the 16 (players) who can defend and get three points out of Brisbane.
“I think he’s making a good impression on the training pitch and in the friendly games.
“He scored Wednesday two times and with George and his brother Al Hassan injured I need attackers and he’s the next one in line.”
However, Adelaide will be without Nathan Konstandopoulos who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in training while George Blackwood will not travel either due to a calf issue. Michael Marrone (abdominal strain) will also be absent.
Adelaide United face Brisbane Roar in Round 18 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Saturday, 8 February at Suncorp Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
