Pathum have been most dangerous when a central pass releases Gustavsson into the box, even without long spells of possession. Adelaide have reached the area through a direct ball behind the defence, a right-side cutback and a left-side combination. Those routes put Pathum's first contact and the next loose ball under pressure. The midfield that recovers that ball will shape the next attack.
Against Tai Po, Yull and Barnett advanced on the right before Alagich finished a cutback; Kikianis later found Muniz behind the line, and Goodwin combined with Talladira from the left. Pathum created close chances at Lion City when Chanathip released Gustavsson and when Costa crossed toward Raniel. Adelaide's different entries give Pathum more than one channel to defend.
A recent report says Chanathip is unavailable, and he was absent from Pathum's last starting side. Andersen started that match, so his link to Gustavsson is central to Pathum's reply. Adelaide used Phillis after Vriends missed the Tai Po match, while Goodwin came off the bench and joined the left-sided move that produced a goal.
I expect Adelaide to work down both sides, use the direct pass when Pathum close the midfield, and press for the second ball after clearances. Pathum have their own route into the box, but Adelaide's varied supply gives them the stronger way to turn those exchanges into a decisive chance. That's why I'm siding with Adelaide United away from home.
