Adelaide United will create history with a win against Perth Glory at Central Coast Stadium on Thursday night, the first clash of a three-game road trip in eight days.
The Reds have won their past three matches without conceding a goal, most recently dispatching Newcastle Jets 3-0.
Never before in the competition have they triumphed in four straight games or notched four successive clean sheets.
Adelaide is also unbeaten in its last seven matches against the Glory dating back to December 2016, and has collected maximum points in its previous three meetings – including a resilient 4-2 win on New Year’s Day.
However, Perth have since improved from that clash and are undefeated in its past four matches to lie in fifth spot, three points behind the third-place Reds.
However, they were denied a victory against Canberra United following the concession of two late goals to draw 3-3.
Team news
Meleri Mullan returns to the squad from injury and is in-line to make her season debut. Adrian Stenta has a selection headache with a clean bill of health for the first time this season.
What the expert says
Grace Gill: Adelaide are in red hot form at the moment with several players stepping up in big moments and seeing out closer to 90 minute performances. Perth are pushing to squeeze into the top four so a result against Adelaide cannot be understated.
One to watch
Grace Gill: It’s really hard to pick just one player to watch for Adelaide at the moment which speaks to their current form. While you’ve got Dawber and Worts scoring the goals, I’m really enjoying the link play and work that Condon has been doing behind them.
Key battle
Grace Gill: I’m looking forward to the Hayward v Rigby match up. Hayward has been explosive for the Reds down the left hand side while Rigby is a solid performer, year in year out. I think this could shape up to be a really key battle. In the centre of the field, the battle between Sharples and Hintzen is one I expect to be tightly contested.
Head-to-head
Played: 22
Wins: 7
Draws: 3
Losses: 12
Last three meetings
4-2 win (H)
1-2 win (A)
1-0 win (H)
Prediction
Grace Gill: Given their current form, I see Adelaide pinching the win here but Perth aren’t going to make it easy. The three points are more crucial than ever – and I think the game is going to be played with exactly this in mind. Adelaide 2 – Perth 1.
Match details:
Thursday, 10 February vs Perth Glory
Liberty A-League 2021/22 – Matchweek 5
Kick-off 4.35pm ACDT
Venue: Central Coast Stadium
Stream: Paramount+
