The history books show (aside from a penalty shoot-out triumph) the Reds have yet to win a match in the finals series and Pantelis is sick of hearing about it.

He also knows that only the players themselves have the power to change the situation and that's what he's aiming to do at Telstra Dome against Melbourne Victory.

The United vice-captain told au.fourfourtwo.com today: "We were very, very disappointed to lose the first game 2-0 against Melbourne.

"But we still have another chance. It's not over. We are thinking positively and that's how you have to be.

"Yes, we haven't beaten Melbourne this season and that's frustrating. People can say what they want about the situation but I don't let all that concern me.

"It's not a mental thing. We're not afraid of anyone."

Pantelis says the players cannot hide from their finals record and he accepts websites, newspapers, television, supporters and the like won't shut up about it until the situation changes.

He said: "We can't hide from the situation and people will keep bringing it up until we get a result. As players only we can change that, to turn the tide."

Pantelis also takes the view that nothing is inevitable in football. He said: "Queensland Roar were struggling to win at home for quite a while but the players got down and dirty and the picture changed. That's what we have to do (to change the finals record)."

Adelaide also have the added safety net of a preliminary final should they not get the required result in Melbourne.

Pantelis said: "There's still a lot of football to go over this next three weeks or so. But what we need at Telstra Dome to give ourselves the best chance is everyone performing at 8 out of 10 or so. That wasn't the case in the first game and when you don't have that it makes things difficult."

Kristian Sarkies and Michael Valkanis are set to miss the Telstra Dome clash but Pantelis said: "Hopefully we'll have Cassio and Robbie Cornthwaite. We wouldn't have got as far as we have this season without a good squad."