The Sky Blues and Steve Corica will be looking to make it four wins in a row when they welcome Brisbane Roar to Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Following on from a brilliant team performance in the 33rd Sydney Derby, Sydney FC held the Wanderers to very few chances and capitalised on a first half Max Burgess super strike to claim all three points at CommBank Stadium against Western Sydney Wanderers for the first time in their history.
The Sky Blues have finally clicked into gear after a tumultuous start to the season which saw them fail to string two wins back-to-back. Now, they appear to have sorted the defensive issues which plagued them earlier in the season conceding four goals in the last four matches, with half of them coming against the Central Coast Mariners last time out at Allianz Stadium.
In that match, the fans were treated to a brilliant game of football which contained high drama and a brilliant comeback from Steve Corica’s side as they fought back from 2-1 down to win 3-2 with Adam Le Fondre poking home the winner from a Paulo Retre cross.
Sadly, Adam Le Fondre will be unavailable for this clash after picking up a hamstring injury which will see him miss the next few matches. This opens the door for Pat Wood to step up and show the Sydney FC fans what he is capable of, playing the number nine position. With two goals to his name already, this provides the perfect opportunity to add to his tally this weekend when Brisbane Roar come to visit the NSW capital.
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The Queensland outfit come into this clash with form not in their favour. The Roar have only picked up one point from their previous six matches which included three home games. Goals are few and far between for them too with the net only being rippled three times in that period. With the departure of Charlie Austin back to the UK, it appears that Warren Moon’s side are struggling for creativity up top.
After being in the top six for a prolonged period, the Roar have seen recent results force them down the table as they now sit in 10th place, level on points with Western United and only two points from the wooden spoon position. Their eyes will be set on three points at Allianz Stadium on Saturday afternoon as they look to turn their recent fortunes around.
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On a brighter note for those in orange, they were busy in the transfer market, welcoming back former Socceroo Robbie Kruse as well as signing Serbian striker Stefan Scepovic. They also scouted from Victoria, picking up the talents of Taras Gomulka from Melbourne City and Noah Smith from Melbourne Victory which gives them a much needed boost in bodies. This weekend could be the first sighting of Kruse in a Brisbane Roar jersey since the forward took on North Queensland Fury on the 5th of September 2009 in Townsville.
Expect action a plenty when the two sides collide at Allianz Stadium where streaks can be extended or halted.
Ones to Watch
Patrick Yazbek – Sydney FC
For the final time, Patrick Yazbek will walk out at Allianz Stadium as a Sydney FC player as he departs to join Viking FK in Norway. A Sky Blue Academy Graduate, Patrick Yazbek has played 41 matches for his boyhood club which includes appearances in the Isuzu UTE A-League, Australia Cup and Asian Champions League. While being utilised off the bench in recent matches, the low lying midfielder is capable of contributing to the goals, scoring one last season and assisting two already this season, including the opening goal at the brand new Allianz Stadium.
A proud Sydney boy who grew up coming to matches as a fan, for Yazbek will be one to remember as he hopes to close out his Sydney FC career with a goal in front of The Cove. Be sure to not miss his final match in a Sydney FC jersey.
Jay O’Shea – Brisbane Roar
The 34-year-old Irishman has been with the Brisbane Roar since 2019 and has made over 100 appearances for the Queensland outfit and scored 13 goals. So far this season he has found the net three times, of which two came from the spot against Adelaide United and Central Coast Mariners and should his side get a penalty on the weekend, you can expect the midfielder to step up to take it.
After a career in English League One and Two prior to migrating to Australia, the veteran is a fan favourite in Brisbane and his very first appearance Down Under came against this weekend’s opponents, Sydney FC. Unfortunately for the number 26, his heaviest ever defeat came at the hands of the Sky Blues, a 5-1 thumping at Kogarah in 2019.
Look for O’Shea to be involved in the build-up play and to step up for another set piece opportunity if it arises.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Brisbane Roar
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 17
Saturday 18th February 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 5:00pm AEDT
Gates Open: 4:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
