Adelaide United Head Coach, Gertjan Verbeek, said if his side are to maintain their winning streak they cannot afford to take Sunday’s opponents lightly.
The Reds host cellar-dwellers Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium tomorrow as they look to extend their invincible run to five matches.
Adelaide have also not lost against the Phoenix since November 2015, a run which equates to 11 matches.
However, Wellington have found form over the past two games and collected their first win of the season last week against Brisbane Roar.
Verbeek offered his thoughts on Ufuk Talay’s outfit, and believed they are a well-disciplined team.
“From what I’ve seen they’re organised,” Verbeek told reporters in a press conference.
“(They get) a lot of players behind the ball, very quick also so in the transition we have to make speed.
“And also when they have the ball they play good football, it’s more from the transition when they really build up from behind and the goalkeeper starts a lot of times with the long ball.”
Adelaide have not secured five league wins in a row since 2016 when they clinched their maiden Championship after dispatching Western Sydney Wanderers 3-1 at Adelaide Oval.
Verbeek insisted if they are to match that streak they must approach the game with the right mindset and ignore the fact the ‘Nix occupy last place on the table.
He added that only the slightest drop in intensity would make the game even more challenging.
“… It’s a process we’re in and I think we’re doing well but it’s always dangerous to play against a team below us,” he said.
“They’ve only four points and if you do what you have to do, then you make a good chance to win.
“But it’s easy talk, the guys have to do it and when you have one and a half per cent less intensity to give all that you have it will be a difficult game.
“So we’ve to do it ourselves, don’t look at the opponent, don’t look at the position of Wellington, but see them as the enemy and fight with them for the three points.”
What you need to know ahead of matchday on Sunday ⤵️ #AUFC #ADLvWELhttps://t.co/9vIUY4K5oT
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 28, 2019
The Dutchman confirmed Ben Halloran will likely be included in the match day squad if he completes Saturday’s training session unscathed after missing last weekend with a hip complaint.
“He joined us yesterday for the first time and he did all the training,” he explained.
“So we’ll see how his reaction is today and if he can train today and if the answer is yes then he can play and join the squad.”
Adelaide United host Wellington Phoenix in Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Sunday, 1 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.30pm ACDT. Gates open at 4.30pm. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the My Football Live App.
