With seven games remaining and five points adrift of a place in the top six, time is running out for the Reds to rescue their season and play a part in the finals series.

"In terms of the position where we're sitting at the moment, it's absolutely vital, it's probably our grand final already so I can't express how big this game is," Pantelis said.

Up against a Gold Coast side that has won their past five matches at home, including a 5-1 hammering of neighbours Brisbane Roar on Boxing Day, the Reds face a big challenge.

"We're looking forward to getting out there and taking it up to them," Pantelis said. "We know it's going to be difficult, Gold Coast are a quality side, but at the end of the day we can just give it our best shot and hopefully we can come away with the three points."

While Gold Coast United have not had a problem finding the back of the net this season, it has been a different story for the Reds, who have only 16 goals to show for their efforts so far.

Pantelis knows the goals must start flowing if Adelaide United are to lift off the foot of the table, but he says the solution is the same as it has been all season.

"We just need to break those shackles. Once we score one or two goals, it will just keep on flowing, so it's a matter of getting that confidence up and we should be right," Pantelis said.

"One thing we do not lack is the bond we have as a group. We stick tight together and if we can keep doing that for the rest of the season, hopefully we can be in good stead come finals."

After the players were given last weekend off, Aurelio Vidmar put United's squad through a tough internal trial against United's Youth Team at Hindmarsh Stadium this morning.

Pantelis believes the solid hit out provided a number of benefits as the Reds attempt to kick off 2010 in winning fashion.

He added: "It's always good to get out there and have a match with the boys, and also coming up to a massive game for us on Saturday night.

"It's not going to be as hard as it is against A-League opposition but it's right up there and something we'll use come Saturday.

"A few of the boys who aren't playing want to show the coaches that they can step up and play so it was a good opportunity for them to impress as well."