Sydney FC will take on their Sydney neighbours Macarthur FC in their final match of 2022.
Those in Sky Blue will be hoping for an early Christmas present as the Isuzu UTE A-League makes its way to Allianz Stadium this Christmas eve.
These two teams met just over a month ago at Campbelltown Stadium where Sydney FC recorded a 3-2 win in a pulsating contest that was end to end. Sydney FC took full advantage of the extra man after Jonathan Aspropotamidis first half dismissal and raced out to a 3-1 lead before being pegged back late on. This time around, it is likely we will see the same fight on the pitch.
Last week, Steve Corica’s Sydney FC travelled up to the Central Coast and played very well in the opening 20/30 minutes but found themselves behind after two quickfire goals from Nick Montgomery’s Mariners. The Sky Blues will be looking to convert more of their chances as Danny Vukovic pulled off a number of saves in the second half to ensure his side walked away with all three points.
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For Macarthur, on Sunday they hosted Perth Glory who were buzzing following their victory over Western United at Macedonia Park but came un-stuck against Dwight Yorke’s side who soaked up a lot of first half pressure and struck in the second half to shock the Western Australia outfit. That was Yorke’s third Isuzu UTE A-League win from eight matches and currently sees them sit inside the top six.
Sydney FC are currently sitting in 9th, however as results stand, one win can catapult them up into 3rd place, highlighting how close the league is this season. For Corica, coming up against his former team-mate Dwight Yorke will be exciting, and after ruling the roost over him in the last meeting, he will be hoping for more of the same this time around.
Christmas Eve is set to be a sizzler after both of these teams will be looking to seal 2022 with a win.
Ones to Watch
Joe Lolley – Sydney FC
Joe Lolley has settled into life Down Under and has hit the ground running. Notching a Player of the Match once again last weekend against the Mariners, his speed on the ball and vision is something to be marvelled at. Coming to the Isuzu UTE A-League from England, he is no stranger to festive fixtures, and will be looking to find the net against Macarthur after he tested Filip Kurto a number of times in the reverse fixture.
Joe Lolley can be seen marauding down the wing and cutting inside to unleash some sweet left footed strikes to goal. Expect Joe to be in and around the scoring this weekend, hoping to add to his goal against Melbourne City in Sydney’s last match at home.
Ulises Davila – Macarthur
Ulises Davila missed the previous meeting between these two sides after he suffered an injury against Adelaide United and will be itching to get one over the city rivals. The attacking midfielder was previously with Wellington Phoenix and won the Johnny Warren medal for the 2020/21 season. The Mexican is a creative player on the ball and a fan favourite amongst the Bull Pen. Davila has started the previous two matches since returning from injury and while hasn’t been involved in the goals, in influential across the park.
This weekend, expect another pivotal performance from the midfielder as he looks to spoil the Sydney FC Christmas Eve party at Allianz Stadium.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Macarthur FC
Isuzu UTE A-League Round Nine
Saturday 24th December 2022
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
5:00pm AEDT Kick Off
2:00pm AEDT Gates Open
Tickets: Click Here
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
