Sydney FC is playing to keep their AFC Champions League last 16 hopes alive when they host Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua on Tuesday night.
The Sky Blues, currently third in group H, must beat the CSL side and then hope Suwon Bluewings fail to get all three points in Japan against Kashima Antlers.
The Hyundai A-League Champions have history on their side against Shenhua, unbeaten in their five previous meetings between the two clubs.
Get set for a gripping 90 minutes as Sydney FC go all out to try and progress to the knockout stage.
SQUAD NEWS
Sky Blues boss Graham Arnold has a full squad to choose from for this defining clash for his side.
While defender Jordy Buijs limped off against Melbourne Victory on Friday night, he’s not included in Sydney FC’s ACL squad.
Youngster Ben Warland is most likely to partner Alex Wilkinson in central defence, with Aaron Calver another option.
With no Hyundai A-League clash to worry about on the weekend, Arnold will go with his strongest XI as they look to get the result needed to get into the last 16.
WHAT THEY SAID (coach Graham Arnold)
“We’ve had a fantastic season but now it’s about refocusing and getting on with the job Tuesday night.
“It’s momentum. When a team plays well and they still can’t beat us, it’s a great sign.
“Our boys just know how to win. We know if we’re not having great moments with the ball, we know how to defend.”
SHANGHAI SHENHUA FORM
Shenhua played out a 2-2 draw with Chinese Super League heavyweights Guangzhou Evergrande on the weekend, to currently sit fourth on the table after six games.
They have suffered just one defeat domestically so far and are on a five-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
While they can’t make the last 16 of the ACL, their form in the competition has been solid, drawing four of their five group games.
That included a stalemate with group leaders Kashima Antlers a fortnight ago, while they also drew 2-2 with the Sky Blues in China earlier in the tournament.
There’s more to come on Tuesday night as the Sky Blues go after a place in the AFC Champions League Round of 16 at Allianz Stadium!! Be there to back your history making Sky Blues!
