Ryan Strain says Adelaide United will be seeking all three points when they host Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium on Sunday night.
The Reds currently lie in fourth place, six points adrift of top spot from the first seven matches.
Strain believed the Reds have made a relatively solid start to the campaign and are heading in the right direction, but feels they can be more consistent to put together an undefeated streak to move further up the table.
“We need to get some consistency going but I think we’re doing alright,” Strain told reporters.
“We’re fourth in the table and only a few points off top so we’re going well and hopefully we can pick up the points this week.”
The versatile player, who featured in midfield against Melbourne Victory last week, said the team are hungry for the win.
He said they can take advantage of Bruno Fornaroli’s absence and the drama that has unfolded, after he was omitted from the preliminary 18-man squad for this week’s match. The Uruguayan striker has also previously missed the last three matches.
“We’ve to go for all three points this week against Melbourne City,” he said.
“They’re a good team, but I think it’s a good chance to get three points because of what’s happening over there.”
Meanwhile, for the Reds, Ken Ilsø has been named in Marco Kurz’s extended squad and is set to feature against City after overcoming an abdominal issue.
Strain backed the Dane’s goal-scoring ability and was confident he could lead the line in the interim, having been deployed predominantly as an attacking midfielder.
“He’s scored two goals against Wellington Phoenix,” he said.
“He can play as a number nine or number ten but he’s a good goal-scorer and you can see in training he scores a lot of goals.
“He’s got a good finish about him and he can score goals as a number nine or number ten.”
Adelaide United host Melbourne City in Round 8 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Sunday, 16 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACDT. Gates open 5.30pm. Don’t forget to bring your ball for kick on the pitch after the game!
