The language barrier at today's AFC media conference made communication difficult but what wasn't lost in translation was the side's appreciation for their South Australian opposition.

"I think you are the top of the group," coach Thuy Hai Le said through a translator.

United beat Binh Duong in Vietnam a fortnight ago and is set to provide the visitors an even greater opponent when the teams clash at Hindmarsh Stadium on Wednesday.

Thuy Hai Le said the Reds seemed to struggle with the hot weather at Binh Duong Stadium.

"The weather here is very cool, much better," he said.

"In Binh Duong the players were tired and exhausted and you can't play well. Adelaide will play better here."

Adelaide enters this week's clash as warm favourites but Binh Duong, who has failed to win a game in the tournament, have shown they can be competitive.

They had a number of chances to force a draw in their last encounter with the Reds and are keen to maintain that competitive spirit.

"Last match we play in Vietnam we lost 2-1. We come here and the players are tired and I'm also tired," Thuy Hai Le said.

"But in football we try to play the best and play seriously."

They also have a potential match-winner in Philani who scored a goal in the team's last game.

Thuy Hai Le said the South African brings some attacking flare to the line-up, having scored 12 goals in about 60 matches with the V-League side.

"In my team he plays free, he attacks and he plays for him and does what he wants," he said.

"He's the best player because he plays free, but if I want him to defend he's not the best."

It's been reported in Adelaide's The Advertiser that United were so impressed with the midfielder that they are looking to sign him for the next A-League season.

While Binh Duong's coach didn't convey confidence about his side's chances, his adversary Aurelio Vidmar remains wary of the underdog.

"They are serious about coming here and trying to perform and trying to win and no-one is going to play any sort of game of sport and lay down, I wouldn't expect that," he said.

"We have to go out and there and work extremely hard to get the points and we found that out a fortnight ago."

"We can't underestimate anyone and that will be the big key because if you are going to pull your handbrake up you are going to have all sorts of problems."