Craig Goodwin saw encouraging signs against Perth Glory but admitted Adelaide United will need to be more clinical to pick up three points against Melbourne City.
The Reds host the defending champions in their first home match of the season and Goodwin is predicting a hard battle.
“From the first game I think we have a lot of positives to take from it,” Goodwin said at a press conference on Monday following its 1-1 draw out west.
“It has been a very interrupted pre-season. We haven’t been able to have many games against A-League opposition.
“So I think we can take the positive and then really look at what we need to work on because we have a big test this Saturday against Melbourne City.”
Despite United’s wasteful in front of goal, the manner in which the Reds manufactured their chances was promising.
Goodwin dismissed suggestions the Reds lack firepower in attack, highlighting the various goal-scoring options.
“For me we have got players, especially in the attacking third, that can score goals,” he stated.
“Benny (Ben Halloran) can score goals, although last season he probably didn’t score as many as I think he’s capable of – he certainly contributed with assists.
“So I think Benny can definitely score a lot for us this season.
“Kusini Yengi I think is going to have a big year, Stefan (Mauk) had seven last year. “For me I want to hit at least 10, so I think we have the potential and the quality across the pitch to score goals.”
The 29-year-old was anticipating a difficult match against the title holders and believed a parochial home crowd will certainly help give them an extra lift.
“I think City are a very strong team,” he said.
“They’re the benchmark from last season and they’ve recruited a couple of good players.
“But we have to be confident. We’re playing at home, we have a good squad, we’re in a good physical condition and I think in front of our home fans with a packed out Coopers it’s going to be a really good game.”
