The Sky Blues will face ladder leaders Adelaide United on Saturday evening for Round Four of the Isuzu UTE A-League in what is set to be a blockbuster clash.
With Sydney FC assigning their new Head Coach, Ufuk Talay, a new strategy for the club may provide the inspiration the Sky Blues need to record their first win of the 2023/2024 season.
Behind the newly appointed coach is 20 years of playing experience before hanging up his boots in 2013. Talay was the 16th player signed for the inaugural Sydney FC squad, and in the 2018/2019 season, Talay was the Assistant Coach for Sydney FC during their A-League victory in Perth. During his four-year stint at Wellington Phoenix, Talay has recorded the best win ratio of any Head Coach, taking them to finals football on three occasions.
The matchups between Sydney FC and Adelaide United last season saw both contests result in a draw, with the most recent match in April seeing the respective sides draw 1-1 on Adelaide’s home turf with Adam Le Fondre netting after a first half goal from the hosts.
Despite a disheartening 2-0 loss to Melbourne City last week, Sydney FC’s Anthony Caceres and Joe Lolley brought an edge to Sydney’s midfield. From pace in their attacking side, to versatility in their passing, Sydney FC will be looking to match the same grit and determination that have allowed them to score against Adelaide United in previous showdowns.
Sydney FC will forgo attacking young-gun Nathan Amanatidis and esteemed defender Jack Rodwell from their roster this week as both players continue to recover from their injuries and regain their fitness. Max Burgess also misses out with a groin strain.
Adelaide will miss Jay Barnett, Josh Cavallo and Harry Van der Saag due to sustained injuries that occurred before the beginning of the 2023/2024 season. The Reds will also be without 17-year-old star Nestory Irankuna who saw red last weekend against Melbourne Victory in a fiery Original Rivalry.
Adelaide United remain undefeated this season, but the Red side were dominated in a 1-1 draw against Melbourne Victory last weekend. Had it not been for the red card against defender Roderick Miranda, Adelaide could have potentially conceded more goals and were thankful to Joe Gauci who denied the Victorians on many occasions.
Saturday’s match between Sydney FC and Adelaide United is sure to cause a stir with football lovers as tensions reach an all-time high. Who will come out on top of this Round Four face off?
Match Details:
Adelaide United vs Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round Three
Saturday, 11th November, 2023
Coopers Stadium, Hindmarsh, SA
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ and 10BOLD
