Sydney FC Head Coach Ufuk Talay is expecting a demanding test on Saturday night when the Sky Blues face Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Stadium, with conditions, form and familiarity all set to shape the contest.
A tough opponent in form
The Sky Blues come up against a Macarthur side enjoying a strong run, unbeaten in their last five matches and fresh from completing their AFC Champions League Two Group Stage campaign.
“They’re in a good place at the moment,” Talay said.
“They’ve come out of the ACL group and now they can fully focus on the A-League before restarting that journey again.”
“There are experienced players there and a few who have represented our club before, so they’ll definitely be up for the challenge.”
With both sides level on points, Talay expects a tight and physical encounter.
“They work hard for each other, they grind, and they have experienced players who can find solutions during the game,” he said.
“They get into wide areas, deliver balls into the box and play to their strengths.”
Focus on attacking intent
After securing a valuable point away against Melbourne City last weekend, Talay admits his side is keen to be more assertive in the final third.
“We always try to be attacking,” he said.
“We score goals, we create chances and we enter the opponent’s box, but it’s something we didn’t do well last week.”
“The focus this week has been on how we can get more players into the box and into the final third.”
Despite not being fully satisfied with last week’s performance, Talay stressed the importance of continuing to collect points, particularly on the road.
“When you’re not at your best and you walk away with a point against the champions away from home, that can be very important at the back end of the season,” he said.
Life on the road
Saturday night’s clash marks another away fixture for Sydney FC, with the side enduring a long stretch without a home game, six in total.
“We’ve won every home game we’ve played this season,” Talay said.
“But being away from home, even just down the road, you miss that familiarity and the support of your own fans.”
“It’s another challenge. We don’t control the draw — we deal with it as it comes.”
The Sky Blues will return to Allianz Stadium next week, but Talay’s focus is firmly on securing all three points first.
“Our aim is to pick up maximum points here and then look forward to getting back home.”
Squad update
Talay confirmed Sydney FC will be without Joe Lolley and Al Hassan Toure for the clash.
“Joey’s out and Al felt his calf, so he’s not available,” he said.
“Everyone else is available.”
Sydney FC take on Macarthur FC at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday night as the Sky Blues look to continue their push up a congested A-League Men ladder.
Match Details
Macarthur FC v Sydney FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 12
Saturday 10th January 2026
Campbelltown Stadium, Campbelltown, NSW
Kick Off: 7:35pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ & 10Drama
