Sydney FC have appeared to have hit an early speed bump in their season and will be looking to avoid three consecutive defeats when they travel to Adelaide United on Friday night.
Previously impressive with three wins on the bounce against Western Sydney Wanderers, Eastern and Kaya, the Sky Blues have lost 2-1 at Central Coast Mariners and 4-3 at home to Western United in their last two outings.
Coming up against an Adelaide side that have looked strong in this early stage of the season and currently occupy second spot on the A-League ladder, things could get worse before they get better for Sydney FC.
Adelaide United v Sydney FC betting preview
Defence the issue for Sky Blues
Failing to keep a clean sheet in any of their seven A-League games this season, it’s frailties at the back that continue to hurt Sydney.
Manager Ufuk Talay will be desperately seeking answers to make his side look more assured in defence after what was a disappointing 4-3 to Western United last time out.
United had scored an average of 1.57 goals per game before that encounter with Sydney but proceeded to score seemingly at will in that match.
If Sydney are to cause an upset on Friday night at Coopers Stadium, Talay will need a far better defensive performance from his Sky Blues side that have struggled to keep the early pace in the A-League this season.
Reds on a run
One of just two sides left unbeaten in the A-League this season, Adelaide United have enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign.
In any other season, the Reds would probably sitting pretty at the top of the ladder and few would have predicted Auckland FC’s electric start to life in this competition.
The Reds have been doing the business under manager Carl Veart and his side will be full of confidence when they host Sydney this week.
Putting four goals past the Mariners on the road last time out, Adelaide are showing they are the real deal in attack.
No team has scored more goals than the Reds in the A-League this season and against a weak Sydney defence, this could be a one-sided game at Coopers Stadium on Friday.
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Adelaide United v Sydney FC odds
Adelaide United - 2.15
Draw - 3.90
Sydney FC - 2.90
View the full market and more odds for Adelaide United v Sydney FC on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
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