After drawing 1-1 with David Villa and co. in Sydney FC’s season opener, Head Coach Graham Arnold is expecting a completely different match when the Sky Blues come face to face with Melbourne City at AAMI Park this Saturday night (kick off 7:30pm).
With Villa now gone, Arnold believes that City still boast a strong attacking line up but says Sydney FC will be a different proposition having been depleted with international call ups in October.
“It’s a totally different game,” Arnold said.
“They don’t have David Villa and we’re going to be stronger on the park this time.
“No doubt he [Villa] brought quality on the field and we saw the crowds up. But you look at Mate Dugandzic, David Williams and Damien Duff and they’re a very dangerous front line.
“They are strong at home and they’ll be hurting [after the last minute 2-2 draw with the Mariners] so we have to go down there with our best performance.”
Arnold confirmed that he’ll base his starting line up on form as he welcomes Corey Gameiro and Marc Janko back from international duty, and he expressed his delight at the morale within the playing group as the Sky Blues remain undefeated in six games.
“We trained today and we’ve got a full quota to select from this week except for Matty Jurman,” Arnold said.
“It’s a totally different proposition to round one where we didn’t have everyone available. Everyone is fighting for positions at the moment and the form players will play.
“I’m happy with the boys’ character and the boys’ attitude,” he continued.
“As I’ve said before, the defensive side of it is quite good and we’re creating our own chances so I’m very happy with that side of things.”
Sydney FC travel to Victoria to face Melbourne City on Saturday 22nd November at AAMI Park (kick off 7:30pm). Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter for LIVE match updates as Sydney FC look to continue their unbeaten run.
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