Wollongong Wolves v Sydney FC, 3pm Sunday at WIN Stadium
A reality check against Sydney United 58 last week could prove to be a turning point for Wollongong Wolves as they prepare to take on Sydney FC at WIN Stadium on Sunday.
The Wolves fell to only their second league defeat of the season against United 58 in a week where they were also knocked out of the FFA Cup.
However, it’s not all bad news for the league leaders who are on track to spend a 15th straight week in first spot with their defeats a chance for coach Luke Wilkshire to ground his players as the business end of the season approaches.
Against Sydney FC, Wilkshire will need his squad doesn’t take their opposition for granted. While the Young Sky Blues may be languishing second from bottom, they have proven their ability to shock the competition’s big guns.
Sydney FC boss Jimmy van Weeren will be spreading that message to his players in the lead up to this game as he hopes to catch Wollongong off guard.
Sydney has lost a number of players in recent weeks including defender Liam McGing and midfielder Jerry Skotadis. The pressure will be on the young replacements called in by van Weeren.
They have conceded eight goals in their past two games so defence is sure to be a priority. Against league top scorer Thomas James, Sydney could be in for a tough day at the office.
