Recent history means little to Adelaide United as they prepare to host a vastly improved Wellington Phoenix in tonight's mid-table A-League football clash.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Reds cruised to a 3-1 victory when they visited Wellington in round five. The Phoenix, however, haven't lost any of their five games since.
Three-straight wins - including a thumping victory over big guns Sydney FC - were followed by a 1-1 draw last Friday with defending champions Melbourne Victory.
Adelaide have had the wood over the Phoenix in recent years, going undefeated in the past nine meetings between the clubs.
But the teams could hardly be more evenly matched with fifth-placed Adelaide and Wellington (6th) sitting on 15 points with an identical 14 goals scored and 13 conceded.
"It's a different quality (to when) we played against Wellington in Wellington," Adelaide coach Marco Kurz said.
"I think now the team is very good in shape. They look very comfortable in their playing style and they're playing well.
"But we are also in good shape. Both teams want to win tomorrow and we will see if we are the better one."
The Reds are hoping to overcome a poor record this season at Coopers Stadium.
Adelaide have only won once at home this year, conceding nine goals, while road warriors Wellington have lost just once from four away games.
"I don't think it's a mental thing," Kurz said.
"It's now time to win at home, to get the three points. Our aim is to start tomorrow. We have respect for Wellington but, on the other hand, we feel very confident in our game and now it's up to us to be better than Wellington tomorrow."
Kurz declined to reveal whether young striker George Blackwood would start for Adelaide, having played 20 minutes last week in his comeback from a shoulder injury.
Centre-back Jordan Elsey is in the frame to return from suspension.
Wellington might unveil 196cm forward Cillian Sheridan, a former Ireland international who signed earlier this week with the club.
STATS THAT MATTER:
.. Wellington have a strong road record this season but have won just three from 18 at Coopers Stadium
.. A win or draw will extend Wellington's unbeaten run to six games - their best streak since round 22 in 2014-15
.. The Phoenix have scored five goals this season from outside the box - the most of any club.
-AAP
