Harbour Views – At Home to Victory

A surprise but tense win highlights the week that was for Sydney Fc. Having just beat table toppers Perth Glory away from home, the sky blues now face a tough test against high-flyers and rivals Melbourne Victory at home this Saturday night.

NINE MEN TRIUMPH

Tensions were high when the sky blues travelled across the country to fact the Glory. The game featured three red cards, two of those for the visitors and subsequently the sky blues will be without the centre back pairing this week. Apart from that, most things were positive. In fact some Sydney fans will soon be calling for the team to play every game away from home since they are undefeated on their travels. Janko continued his form away from home, scoring from the spot in the first half. New recruits Tavares and Faty looked largely untroubled in their respective positions.

Dimitrijevic, Janjetovic looked comfortable but possibly the best thing about the game was it was very much a team performance with few standouts. The game was eventually rounded off however by the seemingly improving Bernie Ibini who stayed composed to head the ball home after having his initial shot saved. Overall, the sky blues will be pleased to get the result especially since there is more improvement left in the team.

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

Not much has changed since the previous weekly recap I did. Things seem to be quiet particularly on the contract front, maybe time to re-sign a few players Arnie? The upcoming game against Victory however will give certain players a chance to impress particularly the likes of Ryall and Jurman. As I mentioned last week, this game may give new recruit Robert Stambolziev a debut and what a time to do it.

HOME TO VICTORY

As mentioned earlier, this week’s fixture presents a challenge against a Melbourne Victory side on a high after winning the most recent Melbourne Derby 3-0. The sky blues will be hoping for a big crowd to help them over the line especially without a few players due to suspension compounding the current injury crisis. Sydney will be without Faty and Petkovic who both got sent off against Perth instead being replaced by Ryall and Jurman. Melbourne on the over hand have close to a full squad at their disposal and have many threats such as Besert Berisha who has quite a history against the sky blues. However Khalfalleh will be the player to watch and much depends on Sydney’s ability to close him down.

THE MONTH AHEAD

14^th February – MELBOURNE VICTORY (Home)

21^st February – CENTRAL COAST MARINERS (Home)

28^th February – WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS (Away)

6^th March – NEWCASTLE JETS (Away)

THE TABLE

FTS FACT: This game will be rather special in particular for the sky blues as it marks 5 years since Sydney Fc won the premiership at home beating Victory 2-0 with goals to Kisel and Aloisi sealing the result.

So that was the week that was. Can the sky blues get another surprise result against the Victory remains to be seen? One thing is for sure, the game this Saturday night will have plenty of feeling in it this Valentine’s day.

THIS WEEKS QUESTION