The Roar's A-League Men tips and predictions: Round 26 - the jostle for finals positions is on in earnest
Here is the way the Roar expert panel sees all the action unfolding across the final weekend of play prior to the semi-finals.
Adelaide United will be out to arrest a festive season slump when they host Sydney FC tonight. We’ll have live scores from 8.00pm AEDT.
Have John Kosmina’s Reds peaked too early?
It’s one of the hottest questions of the A-League at the moment after the second-placed side succumbed 1-0 to Brisbane Roar on Boxing Day, only five days after being hit for six at Western Sydney.
Adelaide hit the ground running after being involved in the Asian Champions League in the preseason, and the test for Kosmina now is to try and reinvigorate his squad.
For a side that have occupied last place on the A-League ladder, Sydney FC travel to Adelaide in good spirits following their late 1-0 win over Central Coast on Thursday night.
Jason Culina, Pascal Bosschaart, Terry McFlynn and Fabio all are possible ins for tonight and if the Sky Blues can get one or two of the aforementioned players back they become a very genuine chance of winning this match.
But looking at the last two weeks instead of the whole season would be a folly. Alongside the Mariners, Adelaide have been a model of consistency since the season began and they are strong favourites for a reason.
They should get the job done tonight.