Qualifying Final
Sydney FC v Sutherland Sharks, Saturday 4.30pm at Lily Homes Stadium
The Grand Final is within touching distance for both Sydney FC and Sutherland Sharks, and the title ambitions of each will firmly come to the fore when the two competition heavyweights clash at Lily’s on Saturday afternoon.
These two sides have consistently set the bar in the past two seasons and have supplied some titanic contests throughout their rivalry – including at this very stadium, in last year’s major semi-final, which saw the Sharks book their Grand Final ticket in extra time.
It is sure to be another close encounter on this occasion as the two giants tussle it out to take on Blacktown City in the major semi-final next weekend.
For Sutherland, the raised stakes must help return the Sharks back to their best. It’s been a disappointing season for the 2017 double winners. Nick Dimovski’s side were seemingly on course to repeat the feat after a flawless start, but they’ve faltered for two thirds of the season and have won just three of their last 10 matches heading into this game.
Sydney FC have been similarly enigmatic throughout the year. The Sky Blues have been far and away the competition’s most deadly strike force with 65 goals (21 more than second-best Sutherland), but have failed to marry this ability to score freely with a battle-hardened rear-guard.
Sydney FC’s approach will make this contest an intriguing affair – don’t miss it!
