Isaías warns he is expecting Brisbane Roar to prove a difficult obstacle to overcome, despite their position on the table.
Seventeen points separates the two teams in the Hyundai A-League standings, with the Roar hanging precariously in ninth spot with nine points.
However, the Adelaide United Captain was not taking anything for granted, stating the Reds must be prepared for another tempestuous game at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
Ben Halloran’s brace inspired Adelaide to a 2-1 win against Brisbane back in November in what was a fiery encounter.
“I think they’re in a tough situation right now,” Isaías admitted to reporters at a press conference.
“We’re coming from a win last game, and I think it’s going to be a tough game, but we’re at home, playing in front of our fans and I hope to have the three points again.”
It was a bit of a wild game last time. Don't miss the rematch this Saturday. #AUFC #ADLvBRI
🎟 Tickets: https://t.co/HTtVvdwbSP pic.twitter.com/NmuZHDoUN9
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) January 30, 2019
United are now back to their regular routine – without midweek matches – following what was an extremely busy month.
But in those eight games from 26 December to 27 January, Adelaide suffered just the one loss, drawing three and winning four.
Isaías believed the arduous pre-season helped prepare them for the hectic period in which they came out relatively unscathed.
“I think we’ve done alright so far but it obviously comes from the beginning of the season,” he said.
“I think we worked really hard from the first day on in pre-season and this is why we worked that hard, to get into this period of time really fit.
“We’re really happy with the recent results and we’re looking for more.”
They currently sit just one point outside of the top four.
The Spaniard said the key to continue climbing the ladder was to improve their home form and not look too far ahead.
“Obviously we need to be better at home,” he said.
“We need to win every single game at home, I think it’s so important for us, for the Club and for the fans.
“And we like to focus game-by-game, we don’t like to think long-term, it’s better to focus game-by-game and treat every game as a final I think is one of the keys.”
Mirko Boland and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos also returned to full training earlier in the week.
“It’s nice always for us to have everyone fit in the squad,” Isaías continued.
“And everyone pushing and fighting for their positions, it makes everyone work harder in the training pitch and I think it’s very nice to have everyone fit.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 17 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 2 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Gates open 6.20pm.
