Preview: Adelaide United vs. Melbourne Victory - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently bottom of the A-League and have a point to prove themselves after losing four times in a row heading into this one.

Match preview

Adelaide United have showcased qualities throughout the season but have struggled to provide the consistency needed to kick on and progress up the division.

Right now the Reds are sixth in the table, and while a victory on Saturday could take them as high as third, a defeat also has the potential of dropping them to the bottom of the league.

Carl Veart will want need to see an improved performance from his men this time out though after they suffered a 4-0 defeat in their most recent game.

It was one to forget for the entire squad as Central Coast Mariners ran riot with both Panashe Madanha and Alexandar Popovic scoring own goals.

On top of that Isaias Sanchez ended up being sent off which only added to the difficult day that the team ended up having.

The visitors also struggled in their previous outing as they were beaten by Brisbane Roar by a goal to nil as Jay O'Shea scored the decisive finish.

That made it four defeats in a row for Melbourne Victory, showcasing the difficulties that they are dealing with at the moment which is summed up by their league position.

Tony Popovic's men are currently bottom of the division after losing six of their opening 10 matches, but a win here could lift them off the foot of the table.

Even though they have struggled this season, the visitors will take confidence from the fact they have a better record away from home.

However, for that to happen Melbourne Victory will need to start scoring more goals, as they have only found the back of the net nine times so far, which is lower than any other team.

Adelaide United Australian A-League form:

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Melbourne Victory Australian A-League form:

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Team News

The hosts will need to make at least one change to the starting lineup from their most recent match due to the fact that Sanchez was sent off in that match.

Louis D'Arrigo will be an option to replace him in the midfield this time around after he came off the bench during their 4-0 loss.

The experience of Nani is likely to be called upon by the visitors, with the former Manchester United star providing quality in the attack for Melbourne Victory.

Matt Acton should keep his place in goal as well due to the fact that Paul Izzo has a thumb injury at the moment.

Adelaide United possible starting lineup:

Gauci; Madanha, Barr, Popovic, Kitto; D'Arrigo, Prados, Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Kasumovic

Melbourne Victory possible starting lineup:

Acton; Geria, Spiranovic, Broxham; Ikonomidis, Wilson, Rai, Brimmer, Cadete; Nani, Folami

We say: Adelaide United 2-0 Melbourne Victory

Adelaide United will be pushing to quickly put their season back on track this weekend, and this could be the ideal match for that to happen.

Considering the fact that Melbourne Victory are bottom of the league right now, this should be one that the hosts can win.

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