Sydney FC look to return to winning ways after taking just one point from their last two outings when they host an unpredictable Wellington Phoenix on Thursday night at Allianz Stadium.
The Sky Blues’ last outing saw them face Perth Glory in the stifling Western Australian heat last weekend. The mercury rose to as high as 34 degrees and consequentially, the quality of football dropped with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Sydney came closest to scoring through substitute Matt Simon, but the former Central Coast-man could only direct his header wide of the far post.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix succumbwd to a late Mark Bridge goal that saw the Wanderers take all three points in their most recent performance. It looked as though the travelling Kiwis had snatched a result before Bridge’s winner, when Michael McGlinchey struck a venomous free kick off the crossbar, but it was not to be for Ernie Merrick’s men.
Key battle – Roly Bonevacia vs Mickael Tavares
A midfield battle between highly-skilled foreigners will determine the outcome of this match.
Roly Bonevacia is a powerful attacker that helps drive his Nix side forward. An adept dribbler of the ball, the Dutch midfielder showed his potency from distance with a stunning strike to help sink a hapless Adelaide United. One man capable of containing and countering the Dutchman could be Mickael Tavares though, as the Senegalese international looks to have regained his spot in the starting XI after losing out to young-gun Brandon O’Neill. However, after improved performances over Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Victory, the rangy 33-year-old looks to have nailed down his holding-midfield position.
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Team news
Graham Arnold can consider himself fortunate that Sydney escaped their hot encounter with the Glory unscathed. However, the coach warned that his side may need “freshening up” in his pre-match press conference. With a relatively short turnaround, some of the youngsters may be in line for a start. This could see O’Neill return to the starting line-up and Andrew Hoole make an unlikely start for the home side. A shake-up in the top third could see Matt Simon feature ahead of Shane Smeltz.
Ernie Merrick is not as lucky. Defender Ben Sigmund collapsed after a collision with Federico Piovaccari and had to be substituted, so he may miss the clash. Aside from that, the Phoenix should lineup relatively unchanged after a decent performance against the Wanderers. Merrick may prefer a fully fit Louis Fenton over Sigmund.
Head-to-head
With 28 total matches being played between the two sides, Sydney FC have edged the previous encounters winning on 14 occassions and losing 12 times. With only two draws, expect a winner on Thursday night.
Previous meeting
Sydney FC won their most recent encounter. Goals from Bernie Ibini and Shane Smeltz wrapping up the win before a Phoenix equaliser.
Prediction
Sydney are yet to show their entire attacking capabilities and the Phoenix have shown they r trademark inconsistency so far this campaign. Should Merrick’s men show up they may topple the Sydney siders.
Sydney FC 1 Wellington Phoenix 2
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