Sydney FC will look to repeat a similar performance in their Australian Cup Final rematch against Brisbane Roar on Friday Night. We check out three crucial matchups that could lead to the Sky Blues’ first win of the season.
Anthony Caceres vs Jay O’Shea
Anthony Caceres will be on the hunt for Sydney’s opening goal of the tournament on Friday Night after he contributed two goals for the Sky Blues during their Australian Cup campaign. However, he will face Joe O’Shea, who slotted the equaliser against Macarthur in Brisbane’s last A-League clash.
O’Shea will have to be wary of Caceres after he contributed four goal attempts against the Victory and recorded 90.5% of successful passes throughout the game. Don’t be surprised if you see Caceres dribbling past the Brisbane midfield and defence on Friday Night.
Fabio Gomes vs Macklin Freke
In Fabio Gomes’s second game for Sky Blues after being transferred from Brazil, he scored two goals against Brisbane Roar in the final despite playing only 26 minutes. Sydney FC’s new attacking threat may be the Sky Blues key player who kicks off our goal campaign for 2023. However, Fabio Gomes will be against Brisbane’s number-one keeper, Macklin Freke. Across 2023, Freke has gained momentum by building minutes with the Roar, starting the last seven games. However, he has conceded eight goals against four A-League opponents.
This matchup will be crucial to watch this Friday as Fabio Gomes will want to show off his pace against the Brisbane defence, run onto loose balls and finish his shots with slick speed past Freke.
Joe Lolley vs Scott Neville
The Sydney FC number ten will look to take on Brisbane Roar’s 34-year-old defender Scott Neville, who clocked in 4 clearances and three interceptions, the most out of the defenders for the Roar against Macarthur. However, Joe Lolley will look to build on his growing momentum this year as he assisted six goals and netted four, including a spectacular cross to Robert Mak against the Roar in the Australian Cup Final.
Lolley will look to show his versatility in his attacking craft as he will want to recreate that cross that sent Sydney to the sky.
Match Information:
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Isuzu-UTE A-League Round One
Friday 27th October 2023
Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Gates Open: 5:45pm AEST
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10BOLD
Tickets: Click Here
