Melbourne City coach Warren Joyce is refusing to get caught up in the machinations of the looming A-League finals following his team's goalless draw with Adelaide.
City and United drew 0-0 in an entertaining, high-intensity clash at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
The home side dominated the second half but couldn't find the match-winner while their goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic delivered a standout display with some stunning saves.
While Adelaide now hold down fourth and an all-important home final berth, City's inferior goal difference sees them in sixth behind Wellington Phoenix despite sitting on equal points.
They face the Phoenix away next Sunday in a crucial match.
As the ladder stands, City would face Melbourne Victory in an elimination final which, given they have now gone 11 games at home without a loss, may not be a bad thing.
Joyce said he wasn't concerned about securing a home final, feeling his team were capable of winning wherever.
"If you look at our record against the top sides, we're pretty good away from home so it doesn't concern me," Joyce said.
"We're just looking to win every game to keep the run going - you've got to approach every game like a grand final."
City best and fairest winner Bart Schenkeveld (quad) was a late withdrawal with Ritchie de Laet filling in at stopper.
Joyce wasn't sure if Schenkeveld would be available to face Phoenix in the penultimate round.
"He has a groin strain but the recovery is as long as a piece of string - it's day by day," Joyce said.
The manager felt that even without the Dutchman they had the line-up and form to win.
"I thought it was a good game against United and I thought we shaded them in the second half and deserved to win.
"It was a tough game and we could have won it and should have won it but we dust ourselves down and go again next week."
Australian Associated Press
