Djite, Carrusca to return for Reds

Adelaide United are set to regain playmakers Bruce Djite and Marcelo Carrusca against the Wanderers this weekend as they bid for a second upset win in a row.

Adelaide United are set to regain playmakers Bruce Djite and Marcelo Carrusca against Western Sydney Wanderers this weekend as they bid for a second upset win in a row.

Both missed Adelaide's upset away win over table toppers Brisbane Roar last Saturday because of groin injuries.

But the duo trained without restriction this week ahead of Sunday's clash at Coopers Stadium, where the Reds can sniff another A-League boilover.

"We know how important they are to our side. To have them back this week is massive for us," Adelaide team-mate Osama Malik said on Friday.

Malik himself will return from suspension to boost the Reds' defence in shapes as a crucial match for Josep Gombau's side.

The Reds are eighth on the ladder but sit just four points behind fourth-placed Central Coast Mariners.

Malik feels another A-League upset is brewing for Adelaide United who are unbeaten in their past five matches.

"Even at the start of the season when we weren't winning games, the morale within the squad was brilliant. We were all enjoying playing; we were all confident," he said.

"We all knew that it was just going to take a little switch and it would all go our way."

Malik said a win on Sunday could lay the platform for the Reds to charge towards the finals.

"For it to be this close halfway through the season is really good," Malik said.

"It's good for neutrals and it's good for all supporters of football because it's going to be real exciting towards the end of the season.

"And it's good for us because ... we know with a couple of wins, we can be right up there."

The Reds will have to make do without winger Fabio Ferreira who will miss at least another week with a groin strain.