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With the finish line in sight, the Reds bounced back from the loss of coach John Kosmina and a debut loss for Michael Valkanis with a vital 2-0 win over Melbourne Victory last weekend.

The result helped Wanderers move into second spot on the ladder after their own 2-1 win over Newcastle Jets - and despite the recent turmoil at Hindmarsh Stadium, Popovic is still cautious of the Reds.

"I wouldn't discount Adelaide," he said. "Seven games - a lot can happen. To stay up there, you have to consistently keep getting results and if you don't you can fall away quite quickly.

"I wouldn't discount any of the top four. Everyone realistically has a chance, albeit that Central Coast Mariners are in the driving seat. Everyone still has an opportunity to get that first spot.

"You never knows how it will pan out - those four teams have broken away a little bit but with the format this year with the play-offs, you can't discount anyone.

"Anyone that gets into that top six has a chance of winning the title."

Rookie coach Popovic admitted to a growing pride in his playing group after taking his selection of rival clubs' cast-offs and imports and transforming them into title contenders in their first season.

"The second and third of the year, we've certainly showed with our results that we are worthy of being in the top four and this great run that we are on proves that," he said.

"I'm proud of the players. You can't not be proud of what they've done so far but we haven't achieved anything yet. There is a lot of hunger in this group and they want to take it as far as they can.

"You never know how the results will go. We've always concentrated on our performances and throughout the year we've always felt they've been very consistent."

"As long as we perform well, we feel the results will take care of themselves and at the end of the year, we'll finish where we're supposed to be."

The fomer Sydney FC defender has pinpointed the impending run of three games as crucial to their end of season placing, starting this weeken against Melbourne Victory.

But in the middle of their stunning winning streak, Popovic sees no need to alter his gameplan or try to spring any shock selections or tactics.

"I don't think we need to give them any surprises," he said. "We know how we play and they'll certainly know the type of football we try to play.

"We've won five straight games playing a good brand of football and I wouldn't change anything. We'll have a game plan that we feel, if we execute it properly, we have a chance of getting a result.

"We've won one and lost one against Victory so far, so we know we are capable of beating them but we also know they are a very dangerous side with some outstanding players.

"It'll be very tough for us as well. We'll go there wth a very positive frame of mind, confident that if we can perform well that we give ourselves a chance."

But he said the side was savouring the prospect of the clash.

"They're a very good team, fantastic football club, great supporters and an excellent manager," he said. "It's going to be tough but we're looking forward to it.

"It'll be a great atmosphere, great game and we certainly want to play our part by putting in a good performance.

"They've got a good team all round so we certainly can't afford to be at anything less than our best to get a result. We aim this week to prepare well and put on a very good performance and if we do that then we give ourselves a chance.

"But we certainly know that it will be a tough game."

Three points could be the springboard to stake a claim for the Premiership, but Popovic refused to get ahead of himself.

He added: "I don't think it will necessarily define the season but it may show us how high we can finish.

"At the end of those three games, we will maybe know where it can be - can we be higher? Will it be top four?

"That may be more determined at the end of these three games, but regardless, we are in a very good position."

The game sees goalkeeper Ante Covic notching up his 100th A-League game against his former club last season.

"I'm sure he'll look forwrad to playing against Victory," said Popvic. "It'll be one he remembers, I'm sure.

"Big crowd, against Victory who he played for last year - it's fitting that it's a big game that he brings up his 100th game.

"He's been a great goalkeeper throughout his career and he's showing this year that he's still got a lot left in him."

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