Outside90’s Breanna Holden takes a look at the factors that will define tonight’s clash between Sydney FC and the Phoenix.
Sydney’s home form
Under Graham Arnold, Sydney are yet to lose a regular season away game, picking up 32 points on the road last season and seven of a possible nine in 2015-16. But while the Sky Blues travel well, their form at Allianz Stadium under Arnie has been significantly less impressive – dropping seven points so far on top of a whopping 23 last campaign. If Sydney are to seriously challenge for silverware once again, the side must sort out their home form, because while breaking records is impressive, it shows a serious imbalance and the traditionally fickle Sky Blue fans will grow impatient.
How will Sydney recover with a short turn-around form Perth’s heat?
Much was made of Sydney’s clash with Perth last Saturday with the sides being forced to play in 37c heat, which arguably accounted for one of the worst clashes this season. Returning back to NSW, the Sky Blues have just five days to travel across the country and recover mentally and physically from the stifling dry Western heat. Facing a Wellington side who are presumably well rested after staying in Sydney after round seven, the home will have had a huge test this week to return to peak fitness and properly prepare for the fixture.
Wellington’s defence
The Nix’s attack has won the Kiwi’s much praise once again – shaking off the loss of Nathan Burns to bag 12 goals in seven matches so far. But the side’s attacking focus has certainly come at a cost, with their defence proving fragile at the best of times, conceding 13 goals and failing to register a single clean sheet. Although Sydney are not exactly a force up front, they have certainly got enough experience to trouble the Nix’s shaky backline. With almost a week spent in Sydney, Ernie Merrick’s men will need to have focused on solidifying their defence if they are to not only return to New Zealand with points, but also make an impact on the league this season.
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