Adelaide United vs. Brisbane Roar – A-League, May 16, 2021

Adelaide welcomes Brisbane to Hindmarsh Stadium on Sunday, May 16, with just a single point separating the two sides on the A-League ladder.

Having only managed to win one of their last eight matches, the Reds have slipped to fourth in the standings. Meanwhile, a run of just one defeat in nine games has seen the Roar climb to sixth.

Needless to say, the result of this clash is likely to have a big say in the outcome of the race for a top-six finish.

In this Adelaide United vs. Brisbane Roar betting preview, I discuss the A-League odds, analyze the teams, and share my prediction and pick at the end.

Although Adelaide (2.25) has struggled for form recently, the best online sportsbooks still believe that Carl Veart’s men deserve the favorite tag for this matchup.

While it is difficult to argue with that viewpoint, the Roar (2.90) will surely fancy their chances of upsetting the A-League odds this weekend. After all, the Queenslanders are enjoying an excellent run at the moment.

Let’s take a closer look at the teams before settling on an Adelaide vs. Brisbane prediction.

What the hell has happened to Adelaide United!?

Following a six-match winning streak across February and March, the Reds looked set to secure a top-six finish with ease. In fact, they were even talked about as potential premiership challengers.

But since then, Veart’s men have only managed to pick up one win in eight games – registering four draws and three defeats along the way. Their last victory – a 3-1 win against Macarthur – came over a month ago.

It is no secret that the goals have dried up for Adelaide. The South Australians have netted just two goals in their previous four outings and have fired a blank on two occasions during that period.

Granted, the Reds did manage to find the back of the net against Melbourne City on Thursday. But after losing 4-1 to the champions-elect last time out, the chasing pack are hot on their heels.

'It's just small details…' – Veart plays down Reds' winless run https://t.co/NMB2HbM03g #football #FTBL #ALeague pic.twitter.com/UUm4cz3QhU

— FTBL (@FTBLcomau) May 13, 2021

While Adelaide has been sliding down the standings of late, Brisbane has been moving in the opposite direction.

Having recorded just one win in their last four games (two draws, one loss), it could be argued that Warren Moon’s men have taken their foot off the gas slightly. But when you look at the bigger picture, they have only lost one of their previous nine matches (four wins, four draws).

Also, the Roar’s only defeat in that time came against high-flying City. There is no shame in that, right?

The recent form of Joe Champness has been hugely impressive. The winger has bagged two goals and two assists in his last eight appearances while tormenting opposition defenses with his speed and trickery.

Japanese loanee Riku Danzaki deserves mention, too, having netted four goals in his last eight matches.

Ultimately, this game brings together two teams in contrasting form. A five-match winless streak has derailed Adelaide’s top-six bid, while a run of one defeat in nine games has propelled Brisbane into Finals Series contention.

It feels as though Moon’s men are peaking at just the right time, so I am confident that they will be able to get the better of an unconfident Adelaide outfit on Sunday.

The away win is my Adelaide United vs. Brisbane Roar betting pick.