Adelaide United boss Marco Kurz knows what to expect from Newcastle Jets in Sunday's A-League game - full-throttle attack.
The Jets' finals hopes hang precariously - they're seventh, six points shy of sixth-placed Wellington.
And Kurz, whose Reds are in fourth with 30 points, believes Newcastle's delicate ladder scenario makes them an even more worrisome prospect despite losing key attacker Ronnie Vargas (hamstring).
"It's clear Newcastle's strengths are their offensive style; they have maybe one of the most (scoring) chances in the league," Kurz said.
"... We know what we expect from them.
"Newcastle, it's one of the important games for them to come closer to the ladder position six.
"It's a very important game for both of us. For us, we have more comfortable position, that means the pressure is more on the side of Newcastle."
While both teams play with attacking mindsets, they've proven wasteful in converting chances.
The Jets have fired 222 shots at goal this season - second in the league - with Adelaide's 209 third.
Yet for all the chances, Newcastle have scored just 24 goals and Adelaide 27.
And Kurz dismissed any notion of meeting a jaded side on return from their Asian Champions League loss in Japan on Tuesday night.
"What I expect is the strongest line-up and the strongest team from Newcastle," he said.
"The game was on Tuesday, that means they have five days to the next game.
"They are professional players and (coach) Ernie (Merrick) is very experienced; he knows what to do."
STATS THAT MATTER
* Newcastle's Dimi Petratos and Adelaide's Craig Goodwin top the league for creating chances this season with 64 and 57 respectively.
* Adelaide are seeking consecutive away wins in Newcastle for the first time since 2005.
* Newcastle's Nikor Topor-Stanley and Adelaide's Isaias are two of three outfielders to play every minute of every game this season. The other is Melboourne City's Bart Schenkeveld.
Australian Associated Press
