Tonight’s clash between two teams who will be dreaming of glory come the end of the season promises to be an intriguing one. Sydney, having lost to Victory 3-0 in last season’s decider, will be looking to give their home fans a great start to their season. On the other side, City, entering their second full season under the ownership of City Group, will be looking to claim a result which will make their intentions this season clear.
City have a number of players out however, with new signings Ivan Franjic and Corey Gamerio injured, and Aaron Hughes on international duty. Livewire Harry Novillo is also injured, alongside Marc Marino, Ben Garuccio, Stefan Mauk and James Brown. Thomas Sorensen could start in goal, whilst new signing Bruno Fornaroli will play. Aaron Mooy is in the squad, despite starting for the Socceroos in their 2-0 loss to Jordan on Friday Morning.
For Sydney, only three players are out: ex-Jet Andrew Hoole, and winger Christopher Naumoff. Ali Abbas is still out for an indefinite period as he recovers from an ACL injury. Newcomer Filip Holsoko will be hoping to make an instant impact, as will Milos Ninkovic. In goals, Vedran Janjetovic will be hoping to continue his strong form from last season.
Speaking before the side left for Sydney, playmaker Robert Koren said that the game will be a tough one.
“We are playing away so it will be a difficult game for us, but like I said we have our own qualities, and hopefully we can produce something good Saturday night and come back with some points,” he said.
“Of course we want to achieve something more than last season, and we are ready.”
Key Battles:
Erik Paartalu vs Milos Dimitrijevic. The diminutive Serbian had a superb season for Sydney, often at the centre of good things for the side. Paartalu too, enjoyed a good season 10, and the defensive midfielder will be tasked with shutting Sydney’s playmaker down.
Bruno Fornaroli vs Zac Anderson.
Two players playing their first league game for new teams. Uruguayan Fornaroli has been signed to replace the retired Josh Kennedy, and will be hoping to grab another goal, having scored in the 5-0 FFA cup win over Heidelberg United just under 2 weeks ago.
Anderson has moved south from Gosford, and will be looking to win the hearts of home fans in his first game at Allianz in the sky blue. Both players will be giving it there all, and it looks to be an enticing battle.
Prediction:
It promises to be an entertaining clash. Whilst Sydney may hold home advantage, City have looked very good in the FFA cup, and tonight could claim a big away point. 1-1 Draw