Bernie Ibini

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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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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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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