Leaving the most-decisive contest for last, Outside90’s number one match-up involves one of, if not the biggest revelation of the 2014/2015 A-League season against one of the most unpopular men amongst the Victory faithful.
Key match-up one – Fahid Ben Khalfallah vs Sebastian Ryall
Ben Khalfallah has proved himself to be the biggest surprise packet of the 2014/2015 A-League season. The Tunisian winger has turned in impressive performances week in and week out for Kevin Muscat, resulting in the kind of form that had seen him as one of the frontrunners for the 2015 Johnny Warren Medal. Although the 32 year-old may have missed out on the individual award, he may still yet prove decisive for the Victory on Sunday afternoon.
Khalfallah has prove himself to be the complete winger. Chiming in with five goals his immense dribbling ability was clear from the onset. But growing with the competition, Khalfallah’s wonderful vision and distribution soon became apparent assisting his teammates on 10 occassions.
Playing from the left-hand side, Khalfallah’s surging runs will be the responsibility of Sydney FC veteran, Sebastian Ryall. The former Victory-man has been shuffled along the back four throughout the season but has made a home at right-back and while he has plenty of big-game experience it is a match-up that will no doubt unnerve Graham Arnold.
Playing against the most fouled player in the competition, the long-serving Sydney FC servant will have to curb his natural, ball-winning enthusiasm and carefully approach each challenge if he is to stay on the pitch. Ryall has received eight yellow cards in his 23 appearances this season, more than any of his teammates and putting him equal third overall.
Playing in front of a mostly-Melbournian crowd, Ryall is likely to receive a raucous reception when his name is announced to the crowd after THAT penalty incident in February. Trailing, Sydney FC were looking to mount a comeback when a cheeky albeit opportune Ryall appeared to have dived in the box winning his side a penalty and provoking Victory star, Gui Finkler with a sheepish tap on the head. The moment had a severe post-match backlash with Kosta Barbarouses saying he had ‘lost respect’ for the Sydney-sider, adding another colourful chapter to the Big Blue’s history. An active crowd will surely be looking to get on Ryall’s back each time he is involved in any controversial flashpoint.
A match that will be decided by the smallest of margins, there is no room for ill-discipline and Arnold will surely be reminding the 25 year-old to be on his best behaviour on Sunday. For, Muscat it is a case of reinforcing the need to get Khalfallah on the ball and in one-vs-one situations where Khalfallah’s fleet feet are likely to draw a foul.
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