The fierce rivalry between Adelaide United and Melbourne Victory is set to erupt on Friday night, with the Reds fired up for a bruising encounter at Hindmarsh Stadium. The enmity between South Australia and Victoria has a long and rich history, and from a football perspective, the notion is no different.

Adelaidecustodian, Eugene Galekovic insists that his former club – Victory – are the teams the players, and the fans love to hate. Tasting defeat in two grand finals against their Melbourne foe has only inflated the fire; creating a hostile environment for their counterparts and claiming victory is on their agenda.

"It could be the biggest game even though there have been grand finals," Galekovic revealed to The Advertiser.

"It is almost a sell-out. We want to do it for our supporters."

The blue and white of Melbourne encompass one of the most potent attacking forces in the A-League’s six-year history, with players in the vein of – Archie Thompson, Jean Carlos Solorzano, Harry Kewell, Danny Allsopp, Carlos Hernandez and Marco Rojas – although Galekovic believes his team has the fortitude to combat anything that comes at the United defence.

"It is massive. They have one of the best strike forces in the league, so it is up to us to eliminate that and create chances down the other end and so it doesn't get down their end," Galekovic said. "It is always hard when you play Melbourne."

Newly appointed skipper Jon McKain is in serious doubt after copping a calf injury, while Daniel Mullen has been ruled out with a hamstring strain. Although, Socceroos midfielder Dario Vidosic is anticipated to make his debut for the club, after missing last week’s opening game against Perth Glory.

"We have Dario who has been training and is a pretty good chance to play," Galekovic admitted.