Isaías says Adelaide United are determined to claim their first scalp over Sydney FC this season at Allianz Stadium on Sunday night as they aim to book a home final.
The Reds are currently enjoying a three-match unbeaten streak and have scored eight goals in their previous two games after downing Newcastle Jets and most recently Wellington Phoenix.
It is the fourth time the South Australians have put together three games without a defeat this season, but they have never been undefeated for a longer stretch in 2017/18.
The Spaniard admitted it was comforting his side had already secured a finals appearance with two matches of the regular season left.
However, the Reds Captain stated they are now vying to finish in the top four to give themselves the best chance of success once the finals series commences.
“It’s nice to know we are already in the finals,” he said at Adelaide Airport ahead of the team’s departure for the Harbour City.
“But really we want to fight for the fourth position and hopefully to get one game at home.
“I think we need to build the momentum to get in a good moment in the finals.”
This weekend will go a long way to determining our Finals fate. #AUFC #ALeague
📰 @ALeague Finals guide: https://t.co/HQBlS3OKt7 pic.twitter.com/de6A6VhsQl
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) April 4, 2018
Despite Adelaide having played three closely contested matches with the Sky Blues this season, United has yet to secure a win and Isaías hopes their fortunes can change on Sunday.
The Reds suffered an extra-time 2-1 loss in the Westfield FFA Cup Final, endured a narrow 1-0 defeat at home in the league before an extremely depleted Adelaide outfit registered a gallant 0-0 draw in January.
“I think we played against them quite well in the last games,” he said.
“And I hope that this time we can get the result, I think we’ve given them problems in the three last games.
“And I hope this time we can get the three points.”
With the exception of Džengis Čavušević – ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a serious knee injury – Marco Kurz has had the luxury of having a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Isaías said the return of the experienced players like Baba Diawara and Vince Lia have helped the squad as well as giving the German tactician a couple of selection headaches.
“The last three or four weeks everybody is sharp in the trainings,” he said.
“Everybody is competitive and everybody is fighting for their spot in the first eleven.
“And I think that makes the team much strong, much harder which I think is very good for the team.”
Adelaide United face Sydney FC in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Sunday, 8 April at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 6.30pm ACST.
