Melbourne City will be searching for their first win in seven matches when they visit Sydney FC in the final fixture of Round 22.
Warren Joyce’s men need a lift in morale after the concession of two late goals in a 2-2 draw with Perth Glory overshadowed a promising opening 45 minutes.
The result left the coach under pressure and City in a real fight to secure a Finals Series place.
But they won’t find any sympathy at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday evening.
Sydney FC are back in the frame for the Premiers’ Plate after notching two victories and a pair of clean sheets in as many Hyundai A-League matches.
Their record against City this term is similarly imposing: two wins from two, five goals scored, zero conceded.
Head Coach Steve Corica’s side will have to combat any potential fatigue following their exertions in Japan in the AFC Champions League.
But they haven’t lost against City at home since 2015 and remain unbeaten at Leichhardt Oval.
With the chance to keep the heat on league-leaders Perth Glory, the Sky Blues are sure to come out breathing fire on Sunday night.
Key Opta stats
- Sydney FC have won their last seven Hyundai A-League games against Melbourne City; no other team has ever strung together more than four wins against City in the league.
- Melbourne City are winless in their last five Hyundai A-League games away from home (D1 L4), scoring just three goals in that time.
- The Sky Blues are the only team yet to receive a red card in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 Season.
Ins and Outs
Sydney FC squad: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2.Aaron CALVER, 3.Ben WARLAND, 4.Alex WILKINSON, 7.Michael ZULLO, 8.Paulo RETRE, 9.Adam LE FONDRE, 10.Milos NINKOVIC, 13.Brandon O’NEILL, 14.Alex BROSQUE, 16.Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD, 17.Anthony CACERES, 18. Jacob TRATT, 20.Alex CISAK (gk), 21.Mitch AUSTIN, 23.Rhyan GRANT, 24. Cam DEVLIN, 31.Luke IVANOVIC. **two to be omitted**
Ins: 8.Paulo RETRE (promoted), 14.Alex BROSQUE (return from suspension), 18.Jacob TRATT (promoted)
Outs: 6. Josh BRILLANTE (not selected)
Unavailable: 11.Daniel DE SILVA (elbow hyper extension – 2 weeks), 12.Trent BUHAGIAR (ACL – indefinite), 19.Chris ZUVELA (knee – indefinite), 22.Siem DE JONG (knee – 2 weeks)
Melbourne City FC squad: 1.Mark BIRIGHITTI, 2.Ritchie DE LAET, 3.Scott JAMIESON (c), 4.Harrison DELBRIDGE, 5.Bart SCHENKEVELD, 7.Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 9.Shayon HARRISON, 10.Dario VIDOSIC, 15.Kearyn BACCUS, 18.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 21.Ramy NAJJARINE, 22.Curtis GOOD, 25.Iacopo LA ROCCA, 26.Luke BRATTAN, 27.Florin BERENGUER-BOHRER, 29.Jamie MACLAREN, 34.Connor METCALFE, 36.Dylan PIERIAS **two to be omitted**
Ins: 2.Ritchie DE LAET (returns from suspension), 4.Harrison DELBRIDGE (returns from injury), 5.Bart SCHENKEVELD (returns from suspension), 10.Dario VIDOSIC (promoted), 21.Ramy NAJJARINE (promoted)
Outs: 8.Riley MCGREE (international duty), 13.Nathaniel ATKINSON (international duty), 19.Lachlan WALES (international duty)
Unavailable: 30.Moudi NAJJAR (ankle)
Tickets
Bring the noise and be there to back your Sky Blues at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday! Secure your seats now.
