A-League – Match Preview – Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers

A-League – Match Preview – Sydney FC vs Western Sydney Wanderers

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Arguably the biggest derby of the A-League gets underway on Saturday night when Sydney FC resume hostilities against fierce rivals, the Western Sydney Wanderers at Allianz Stadium.

Without getting off to an extremely fast start, Sydney still remain unbeaten after the opening fortnight of A-League action. An opening round draw at home to Melbourne City was followed by a rather dull away win against the Newcastle Jets. Despite this record, the Sky Blues are yet to show the top form that saw them finish as runners-up last time out.

Despite scoring just twice, Graham Arnold’s men have been defensively stout. A rare error from a player of great pedigree in the form of Jacques Faty let Wade Dekker in against City and Sydney were fortunate with a controversial offside call against the Jets, but truth be told they look hard to break down.

Moving west and the Wanderers are yet to register their first win of the season after suffering a harsh opening day defeat to Brisbane and only managing a draw away to Adelaide last week. With some shambolic defending against the Roar, Tony Popovic’s men looked far more organised away from home and were unfortunate to concede an Andreu own goal.

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In saying that, despite the good early form of Mitch Nichols, the Wanderers lack attacking potency. Italian import Federico Piovaccari has shown glimpses of his potential but is yet to find the back of the net and live-wire Romeo Castelen has lacked composure in front of goal.

Key Battle – Shane Smeltz vs. Federico Piovaccari

With just three goals scored so far between the two sides, both frontmen must stand up and be counted come Saturday night. Kiwi international, Shane Smeltz is yet to find the back of the net this season despite being introduced as the main-man up front following Marc Janko’s departure. Smeltz will be looking to break a gaol-scoring drought after failing to net against the Wanderers in his first season at the club. However with over 80 A-League goals to his name, the next one is never too far away.

Meanwhile, the Wanderers’ new number nine is also looking for his first of the season despite having a number of genuine chances, most notably with a spectacular overhead kick against the Roar. The Italian journeyman looks set to imminently profit from the creative work of Nichols at the top of midfield and in a similar fashion to Smeltz, may break his goal-scoring drought against Sydney on Saturday.

Piovaccari trying the spectacular versus the Roar
Piovaccari trying the spectacular versus the Roar

Team News & Expected Lineups

Both coaches will be rubbing their hands together with all but full squads to pick from. Graham Arnold welcomes back first round goalscorer Filip Holosko after a hamstring strain kept him out of the Newcastle match along with youngster Andrew Hoole from suspension. Another positive performance at Hunters Stadium means much of the side may stay the same. Returning Olyroo Chris Naumoff may drop to the bench to accomodate the returning Holosko as Brandon O’Neill looks set to continue his good form in midfield.

Sydney FC Starting XI: (4-2-3-1) Janjetovic; Ryall, Faty, Jurman, Grant; Dimitrejivic, O’Neill; Holosko, Brosque (C), Ninkovic; Smeltz.

It is much of the same for Tony Popovic. Without any injuries or suspensions, the only man to miss out will be Shannon Cole whose groin strain will keep him on the sidelines for another week. Expect Andrew Redmayne to continue in net with Brendan Hamill and Nikolai Topor-Stanley ahead of him. Andreu will continue in midfield with Mitch Nichols playing closest to Piovaccari up top. Dario Vidosic, although pushing for a starting berth looks set to continue from the bench.

Western Sydney Wanderers Starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Redmayne; Neville, Hamill, Topor-Stanley (C), Jamieson; Andreu, Dimas; Castelen, Nichols, Sotirio; Piovaccari.

Sydney FC Line Up Template

Head-to-head

Having clashed on nine occassions since the Wanderers’ inception, Sydney FC have the better of the two records. Registering four wins, the Sky Blues have lost three derby fixtures with the two sides drawing blanks on two occassions.

Previous meeting

The two Sydney sides last met in February of this year where a seven goal thriller saw Sydney FC edge the Wanderers at Pirtek Stadium. A Kerem Bulut double was matched by Janko who nabbed two of his own before Terry Antonis scored the winner in the 74th minute. None of the goalscorers on that day are still at their respective clubs.

Prediction

There has never been more than two goals separating the two sides in the Sydney derby and without either team playing free-flowing football, that statistic looks unlikely to change. Expect a cracking atmosphere and a tense affair, but with their undoubted quality, Sydney should win this one.

Sydney FC 2 Western Sydney Wanderers 1

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