It is a top-of-the-table clash in the A-League this Friday when second-placed Adelaide United make the trip to face Western Sydney Wanderers, who sit just one place behind them.

With both teams pushing for the title in the final five games of the season there is little room for dropped points, creating a must-win scenario for both.

Match preview

Western Sydney Wanderers could find themselves level on points with their opponents this weekend if they can pick up a victory, and considering their superior goal difference a win would secure them a move into second place.

Coming off a dominant 4-0 victory on derby day during their last outing against Sydney FC, there should be no shortage of confidence in the team heading into this one.

Amor Layouni's brace and goals from Kusini Yengi and Calem Nieuwenhof proved to be enough to secure the impressive victory, but it was their clean sheet that was just as impressive.

Marko Rudan's team have conceded fewer goals than every team in the A-League this season, but that will be tested on Friday by a strong attacking outfit.

Adelaide United have scored 40 goals to this point which is a record that only current league leaders Melbourne City are able to beat.

Attacking football has been at the heart of everything the visitors have done as of late as they have scored nine goals in three games, with five of those taking place last weekend.

Adelaide United defeated Wellington Phoenix 5-1 to maintain the pressure on Melbourne City, with four points separating them at the moment.

Considering the fact that the league leaders do have a game in hand on the chasing pack, there is no room for slip-ups now for any team hoping to catch them before the season draws to a close.

Adelaide United are undefeated in their previous 10 games which is a fantastic run of form that should provide a lot of belief to the squad and the traveling fans.

However, this is a match that could end up being a must-see for any neutral fans as well, after the two teams battled out to a 4-4 draw earlier this season.

Team News

The hosts have some major names returning to the squad for this match as Morgan Schneiderlin, Gabriel Cleur and Tomi Mrcela will all be available for selection once again.

However, they will be without Layouni and Nieuwenhof as neither man is going to be back in time from their recent international performances.

Despite their recent impressive performances the visitors are dealing with a lengthy list of injuries at the moment as Harry Van der Saag, George Blackwood, Josh Cavallo, Juande and Steven Hall are all unavailable.

Luka Jovanovic continues to prove he is a major goal threat for Adelaide United though, and after finding the back of the net he will likely retain his place.

Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Thomas; Cleur, Marcelo, Mrcela, Bonetig; Amalfitano, Schneiderlin; Wilmering, Bozanic; Yengi, Borrello

Adelaide United possible starting lineup:
Gauci; Lopez, Barr, Popovic, Kitto; D'Arrigo, Alagich; Halloran, Clough, Goodwin; Jovanovic

We say: Western Sydney Wanderers 2-3 Adelaide United

Both teams have a lot of attacking quality which should make for an entertaining fixture, but considering their dominant run of form as of late, the visitors should just edge things.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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