FTS A-League Round 11 Preview – Sydney FC vs. Wellington Phoenix
In the last A-League game before Christmas, Sydney Fc host Wellington Phoenix in what is sure to be a game to watch. Both sides find themselves in fourth and fifth position respectively and will be keen to reel the top sides in.
Sydney FC it is time to shine. The sky blues are just slipping from the elite on the table and will be desperate to show the league what they can do. Last week however they did prove they could match it with the best in the league drawing with Melbourne Victory away from home. This came after a loss in their last home appearance to league leaders Perth Glory. Signs were promising last week with a few combinations appearing, one of particular note was from the strikers in Janko and Smeltz who combined for the first goal and seemed to bring out the best in each other. At the other end, concerns still exist. Ognenovski and particularly his leadership skills have been missed. As a sky blues supporter, I am of the opinion that if he had been playing, we would have collected the 3 points.
Wellington have been one of the leagues surprise packets. Along with Perth they have snuck under the radar and shocked many fans, experts alike. They come into the game after one of the most lopsided 1-1 draws in the history of the league. Merrick found himself scratching his head after seeing his team go behind despite the stats being all in his teams favour. So much like their opponents, they will also want to prove a point this week. However the Phoenix will not have the fondest of memories at Allianz Stadium having had some pretty ugly losses at the venue (Most memorably the 7-1 loss). However Merrick and his men will be hoping that the past remains in the past and his relatively new side will be able to steal a win.
Eyes on:
Shane Smeltz finally found his mojo last weekend against Victory and my goodness did they need it. After losing Gamerio, the sky blues have been desperate to find a goal scorer and Smeltz provided with a double last weekend.
Michael Mcglinchey is showing why Wellington fought so hard to acquire his services in the off-season. The Phoenix midfielder has contributed heavily to their successful start.
Head to Head:
Played: 23. Sydney FC: 12. Draw: 1. Wellington Phoenix: 10.
Last Meeting:
6/4/2014 at Allianz Stadium. Sydney Fc 4-1 Wellington Phoenix.
Form Guide:
Sydney Fc: DWDLD. Wellington Phoenix: LLWWD.
Absentee List:
Sydney FC:
Corey Gamerio (knee, season), Ali Abbas (knee, season), Matt Jurman (illness). Nick Carle (knee, Season)
Wellington Phoenix:
Manny Muscat (suspended, 2 weeks), Vince Lia (hamstring, 2-3 weeks),
Possible Line-ups:
Sydney FC: Janjetovic; Ryall, Ognenovski, Petkovic, Gersbach; Antonis, Dimitrijevic; Ibini, Brosque; Smeltz, Janko.
Wellington Phoenix: Moss, Doyle, Sigmund, Durante, Bonevacia, Gorrin, Mcglinchey, Riera, Fenton, Krishna, Burns.
Prediction:
Sydney FC to make use of their home ground advantage and win 2-0.
FTSAUS Fact:
- There has only been one draw in the 23 times these teams have met. So expect a result.
- Alessandro Del Piero scored his last Sydney goal against Wellington.