A-League

Sydney FC look to bounce back on Boxing Day

December 26, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Sydney FC forward Shane Smeltz contests a header

Injury hit Sydney FC are looking to experienced players like Shane Smeltz to turn their fortunes around

Boxing Day football is back this year with Sydney FC hosting Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium. Both sides have been pegged back of late following long unbeaten runs to open their respective A-League campaigns.

A win will be crucial to either side’s hopes of staying in touch with ladder leaders Perth Glory. The Sky Blues have not won any of their last three home games, scoring a single goal in that time from the penalty spot.

Alex Brosque will be given every chance to prove his fitness after missing the Wellington game with a groin injury. The Sky Blues need as many experienced heads in the team as they can with so many key players ruled out through injury.

The crisis deepened further this week with confirmation that veteran defender Sasa Ognenovski will play no further part in the current A-League season – the fourth senior player to have his season ended before the halfway mark. The injury list has left Graham Arnold with a paper thin squad to work with, and a reliance on young layers to fill in at least until the transfer window opens in a fortnight.

Despite their problems Sydney still have enough firepower up front to score their way out of trouble, and in Milos Dimitrijevic and Terry Antonis they have perhaps the best central midfield partnership in the A-League this season.

The current Situation is exactly the kind that Arnold thrives on. He established Central Coast Mariners as consistent title challengers by playing on their status as the smallest club in the league. A backs against the wall mentality is one that Arnold will be keen to foster in these troubled times, setting a challenge to his squad to fight their way to every point possible.

Adelaide United’s form has also stuttered in recent weeks, suffering three defeats in their past four league games. In that time they were lifted by their FFA Cup final win over Perth Glory, and an extra couple of days rest since their last game could prove telling against a weary Sydney side.

Friday 26th December, Allianz Stadium Moore Park 19:45

Sydney FC v Adelaide United

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Top four spot under threat as Sky Blues fight off Phoenix

December 20, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Sydney FC need to avoid defeat against Wellington Phoenix on Sunday at Allianz Stadium if they are to hold on to their place in the top four on the A-League ladder. The Phoenix are just a point behind the Sky Blues in fifth place and in Nathan Burns they have the league’s top scorer in red hot form.

Sydney coach Graham Arnold believes his side need to “toughen up” in order to maintain their title challenge. This is in response to recent physical encounters in away games against Western Sydney and Melbourne Victory, although it is worth noting that his side fought back from losing positions in both games to secure two draws.

It is well known that Sydney are light on options in midfield following season ending injuries to Ali Abbas, Nick Carle and Corey Gameiro. With the transfer window not opening until close to the break for the Asian Cup the Sky Blues will have to navigate their way through the next few games with what they have.

Wellington are in great form this season, and are looking to extend their unbeaten run to five games. They have notched an impressive number of goals this term, with Burns backed up by the likes of Roy Krishna and Michael McGlinchey.

Phoenix showed glimpses of their quality in the middle third of Ernie Merrick’s first season, but a terrible beginning and end to the campaign cost them dear. They now appear to be able to produce performances consistently enough to maintain a place in the finals spots.

Goals are a guarantee when these two sides meet at Allianz Stadium. An average of four goals a game have been scored in this fixture lately, with Sydney FC usually providing the majority – including a club record 7-1 victory in 2013.

Sunday 21st December, Allianz Stadium 17:00

Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix

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Mariners aiming for another Victory at North Sydney Oval

December 5, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Central Coast Mariners are back at North Sydney Oval on Friday night having moved one of their home A-League fixtures south for a second successive season. They will attempt to secure three points once again when they host Melbourne Victory, having accounted for Wellington at the same venue last December.

The Mariners are trying to attract new fans on Sydney’s North Shore as they attempt to boost match day revenues. It is a challenging balance to avoid alienating their Central Coast based core of support, but the Mariners have shown their commitment by using the publicity surrounding the fixture to announce plans for a junior academy at Northbridge.

On the pitch the Mariners are still searching for a second win of season. Recent positive displays have resulted only in draws, and while the general play has been solid they are clearly having trouble scoring goals.

Phil Moss has found himself under pressure as the wait for a win goes on. He has also had to fend off questions surrounding the unity within his squad, inflamed by incidents such as John Hutchinson’s substitution and subsequent exchange with a staff member in a recent game against Adelaide.

It is worth remembering that Moss was also under scrutiny midway through last season after a poor run of form, but the Mariners came good when it mattered – as they always seem to do – and qualified for the finals.

The Mariners’ task on Friday is all the harder for the excellent form displayed by Melbourne Victory. They are now the only team still unbeaten in the A-League this season, and are many people’s favourites for the title.

Victory are not happy about playing on a cricket pitch for the second time already this season, following a tough game at Adelaide Oval in round two. Kevin Muscat has suggested that some members of his squad carrying niggles or with recent history of injuries will not be risked due to the hard surface.

Victory’s attacking trio of Beshart Berisha, Fahid Ben Khalfallah and Kosta Barbarouses are beginning to click, leaving the clubs all time record goal scorer Archie Thompson having to settle for a place on the bench. They have had injury disruptions at the back, but each player called upon to cover has stepped up admirably.

Friday 5th December, North Sydney Oval 19:30

Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne Victory

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Sydney FC look to steal A-League ladder Glory

December 4, 2014 by Kevin Moody

The second of Sydney’s trio of A-League games this week takes place at Allianz Stadium on Thursday night when Sydney FC host table topping Perth Glory. The Sky Blues can go top themselves – temporarily at least – with a win, while Perth will be looking to establish a gap to the chasing pack.

Sydney FC are still unbeaten in the league after eight games, although on the balance of play they could easily have lost the Sydney Derby at the weekend. Graham Arnold would have been thankful for Bernie Ibini’s wonder goal for keeping scores level at half time, and some tactical alterations by the coach for the second period kept the Wanderers at bay.

The Sky Blues’ squad depth is beginning to be tested following serious knee injuries to Corey Gameiro and Ali Abbas. While the loss of Gameiro is a blow, after he carried his goal scoring form from pre-season into the A-League, Sydney do at least have plenty of other options in attack.

The absence of Abbas may in fact cause a greater problem for Arnold, as the Iraqi was his most experienced option at left back. Rhyan Grant and Peter Triantis can provide suitable cover for Abbas’ occasional central midfield duties, having themselves made comebacks from long term injuries.

Before the season got underway there would not have been many tipping Perth Glory to lead the A-League nearly a third of the way into the campaign. A second game on the east coast in five days will test Perth’s durability, but the addition of the likes of Andy Keogh and Youssef Hersi ensure that Glory are considered a serious contender for this year’s title.

Thursday 4th December, Allianz Stadium Moore Park 19:30

Sydney FC v Perth Glory

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Reversal of fortunes for A-League Grand Finalists

December 3, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Western Sydney Wanderers and Brisbane Roar will face off in a Grand Final replay tonight at Pirtek Stadium. Just seven months after meeting in the decider at Suncorp Stadium it is amazing to now find the clubs at the foot of the A-League ladder with just one win between them.

Tonight’s game is the final game in a run of four straight at home for the Wanderers. After three successive draws they will be disappointed if the return on those four games is four points or less.

Considering their success since their foundation in 2012 it is incredible that the Wanderers are without a win after seven games. Playing in front of their passionate home fans has been a strength, but a fourth game at Pirtek Stadium without a win could take some of the fear factor away.

The first half of the Sydney Derby showed how well the Wanderers can play when their attackers get their combinations working. However, their failure to convert chances cost them as a sharp Sydney FC breakaway forced them to share the points.

There were positive signs from star recruit Nikita Rukavytsya, who demonstrated that he is beginning to have an impact on his team. The Wanderers have had to rethink their attacking strategy following the departures of Shinji Ono and Youssef Hersi.

Wanderers fans will at least have the opportunity to toast more glory in Asia. Earlier this week they were named the AFC Club of the Year, while Tony Popovic also received the Coach of the Year award.

The Roar have been dealt a major blow with Thomas Broich undergoing ankle surgery and ruled out for six weeks. Goal scoring has been an issue for them so far, and the loss of their key playmaker will heap further pressure on others to make a step up.

Wednesday 3rd December, Pirtek Stadium Parramatta

Western Sydney Wanderers v Brisbane Roar

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A-League derby can lift spirits of Sydney sports fans

November 29, 2014 by Kevin Moody

After a difficult week for Australian sport the A-League Sydney derby has the potential to lift the spirits of sports fans in this city. Western Sydney Wanderers host arch rivals Sydney FC at a sold out Pirtek Stadium on Saturday night, as matches between these two continue to grow into the fiercest rivalry of any code.

Sydney FC hold the bragging rights in the derby having secured victory in round 2 in October. In the six weeks since that game the Sky Blues have remained unbeaten in the A-League, conceding just once along the way.

The Wanderers have not registered a win in the league this season and remain at the foot of the ladder after six games. However, since the last derby they have been crowned Kings of Asia after their historic Champions League win.

The first four of those six winless league games were away from home, and all resulted in a defeat. The Wanderers have at least managed to take a point from both of their opening home games of the season in the past fortnight, and will hope to at least preserve the unbeaten home record when their local rivals visit Parramatta. No side has ever made it through to the A-League Grand Final having been placed last after six games.

The Sky Blues have won the last two derbies, although both were played at Allianz Stadium. In fact they have not won at Pirtek Stadium since the very first derby in October 2012.

As with all A-League games this weekend a period of silence will be observed to mark the tragic passing of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes. Fans are also encouraged to offer applause during the 63rd minute of the match.

Phillip Hughes – forever 63 not out.

Saturday 29th November, Pirtek Stadium Parramatta 19:30

Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC

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Wanderers and Mariners seek A-League spark

November 19, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Nearly 40 days in to the new A-League season Western Sydney Wanderers will finally play their first home game on Wednesday night. Central Coast Mariners are the first opponents to travel to Pirtek Stadium, with both teams looking to get their campaigns back on track after poor starts.

Wednesday night also represents the Wanderers’ first home game since being crowned champions of Asia. Their glorious run in the Champions League has arguably come at the cost of their domestic form – they currently sit at the foot of the ladder with four defeats from four games.

Coach Tony Popovic is not likely to be too troubled by their poor start, and his team selections in the previous rounds suggest that to a certain degree he was prepared to accept the consequences of going all the way in the Champions League.

The Wanderers are set to recall a host of key players who were rested for the weekend game in Perth, with Tomi Juric, Matthew Spiranovic and Iacopo La Rocca among those expected to start. Their recent travel schedule has been a nightmare, but Popovic is a coach who has always adopted a rotation policy and the upcoming run of home games may be the time when this plan bears fruit.

The Mariners must use the dramatic late point salvaged against Melbourne City on Sunday as inspiration for a resurgence of their own. Prior to that game they had also lost their previous four games.

The nature of the A-League finals format – with six teams from ten qualifying for the playoffs – means that a poor start is by no means fatal to a team’s aspirations, and a few good results can soon bring the Mariners back into contention. If they are to get a result at Pirtek Stadium they will have to do so without the injured Matt Simon, as well as Storm Roux who is on international duty.

Wednesday 19th November, Pirtek Stadium Parramatta 19:30

Western Sydney Wanderers v Central Coast Mariners

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Big Blue tests squad depth of title hopefuls

November 13, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Two of the A-League’s unbeaten sides go head to head on Saturday night when Sydney FC host Melbourne Victory at Allianz Stadium in the ‘Big Blue’. The game will test the title credentials of both teams as they have been significantly affected by international call-ups and injuries.

With skipper Alex Brosque struggling with injury the Sky Blues stand to lose almost their entire forward line. Corey Gameiro is away with the U23 Socceroos and Marc Janko is on duty with Austria. Shane Smeltz has been confirmed as a starter and will debut alongside Bernie Ibini and Christopher Naumoff.

Sydney have also lost Terry Antonis, who was initially called up to the Socceroos squad before being involved in a minor car accident on the way to the airport. There are also concerns over the fitness of Sasa Ognenovski, meaning Seb Ryall could fill in at centre back and Pedj Bojic being promoted to the starting side.

Victory have lost six players in total, including key men Mark Milligan and Kosta Barbarouses. They are still able to call upon Beshart Berisha, the Albanian striker has five goals already this season and an impressive record against Sydney from his time with Brisbane.

There always seems to be action when these two meet, in a fixture that is surely the fiercest interstate rivalry in the league. Memorable encounters include the 2010 Grand Final penalty shootout, the Sky Blues handing out a five goal thrashing on Australia Day, and Victory’s dramatic 3-2 win in Sydney two years ago having been 2-0 down with 15 minutes to play.

Saturday 15th November, Allianz Stadium Moore Park 19:30

Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory

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Mariners out to prevent Glory for Perth again

November 9, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Round five of the 2014/15 A-League season concludes with Central Coast Mariners hosting Perth Glory on Sunday afternoon. The Mariners need a victory to keep in touch with the top half having endured a patchy start to the new campaign.

The Mariners have not won since the opening day where they snatched a win in stoppage time against Newcastle. Despite the recent loss to Wellington they are usually strong at home, and this could be the ideal game to turn their fortunes around.

With an FFA Cup semi-final and a rearranged A-League fixture against the Wanderers coming up, Central Coast would like to make a good start to a run of five games in fourteen days. Liam Reddy will be back in goal after missing the defeat to Sydney FC through injury.

Perth also have a busy schedule, made all the harder by the extra travel they naturally contend with. Top goal scorer Andy Keogh has been feeling the effects of playing in every game and may need to be rested. Jamie McLaren demonstrated that he can be an able replacement by coming off the bench last week against Newcastle and turning the game on its head with a brace.

With the other top sides having drawn matches earlier in the round, Perth can climb to the top of the ladder with a win. However, Glory have not won a regular season match in Gosford since the formation of the A-League, and have failed to score on eight of their fourteen visits.

Sunday 9th November 2014, Central Coast Stadium Gosford 17:00

Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory

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Former Mariners look to keep Sydney FC on top

November 1, 2014 by Kevin Moody

Sydney FC head coach Graham Arnold focuses on his team

New Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold faces Central Coast Mariners for the first time since leading them to a Grand Final win in 2013

New Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold comes up against his former side for the first time on Sunday at Allianz Stadium. Despite Arnold leading them to a Grand Final victory during his time in Gosford, Central Coast Mariners fans would dearly love to notch a win against their old boss.

Former Mariners players Bernie Ibini and Pedj Bojic could also line up against their old team. Bojic may be forced to the bench if Nikola Petkovic – as expected – comes straight back from suspension into central defence, with Seb Ryall moving out to right back.

The Sky Blues have made their best start to an A-League campaign since their last championship win in 2009/10. They can also call upon the services of one of the A-League’s sharpest forwards with Shane Smeltz available following a calf injury.

Usually in situations like this you expect the former coach to benefit from insider knowledge of his old team. However, such has been the turnover of players since their title win there are plenty of fresh challenges posed by the Mariners for Arnold to work around.

The Mariners are virtually at full strength with the return of forward Matt Simon leaving Brent Griffiths as the only long term injury concern. Their opening day win in dramatic circumstances against Newcastle was a morale boost, as has been their FFA Cup run. However, after a disappointing loss at home to Wellington in round two Phil Moss will hope that a weekend off last week will have sufficiently freshened up his side.

Central Coast have a good record at Allianz Stadium – including their Grand final win over the Wanderers in 2013 – and also won all three games against Sydney FC last season. It has been a case of win or bust for the Mariners of late, they are without a draw in their last 17 games.

Sunday 2nd November, Allianz Stadium Moore Park

Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners

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