Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe says the busy start of the A-League season has provided a massive learning curve for him.
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And that curve is about to take an even steeper turn upwards in the next eight days.
The Glory sit top of the table after wins against Wellington and Brisbane in the first two rounds.
But they face the improved Adelaide in round three on the road this Sunday and then have to back up for an FFA Cup quarter-final clash against Melbourne Victory next Wednesday at nib Stadium.
Josh Risdon is already a casualty from last week's thrilling 3-2 victory over the reigning premier and is likely to miss one or two weeks after rolling his ankle in the second half on Sunday.
And it appears as though Lowe is facing some mixed feelings from his players about the importance of the cup game.
"That's what we have been focusing on really. To try to make sure/understand how everyone can stay fresh," he said.
"Do we change the squad? Do we play the team? So there are a few questions that we have to answer, but we will really address those after the Adelaide game.
"See how everyone pulls up. We have a few guys who we think may pull out of that. Other guys will be ok. Some people are more durable than others - some people have other mind sets to others, so we will see how we go.
"I want to get there. We will put the best side we can out - whether that is freshness, or ability, whatever it is, we will put the strongest possible side out.
"But again, we have a game before then."
And that Adelaide side provides a massive challenge.
Currently fourth on the table, it also has a win over the Roar on the board at the start of this season and drew 1-1 with Melbourne Victory last week.
It also won through to the semi-finals of the FFA Cup on Tuesday night with a controversial victory over Sydney FC.
Lowe said he expected Adelaide to be in the top couple at the end of the A-League season and that its current heavy schedule would have no impact on its players ability to perform.
"They have five European lads in there they are used to playing that, so that will be nothing for them," he said.
"You've seen they have played big teams already and done very well.
"They play good ball coming out the back, they are dangerous up front, they have some very good midfield players. And they play a fantastic brand of football.
"It will be a good game. Like Brisbane, they don't shut up shop - they come and pressure, they want to play the game the right way. We'll try to contribute to that - try and smash and grab again."
Lowe said that as well as having Risdon available in the next week or two, midfielders Sidnei and Ruben Zadkovich, plus forward Chris Harold were also close to returning.
But having a successful start to the season has meant he has not had to rush anyone back and risk further injury.