Sydney FC will partake in the Sydney Super Cup when Scottish Champions Celtic FC travel to Sydney.
While this is an exhibition match, neither team will want to enter this World Cup break on the wrong side of the result. For Steve Corica’s Sydney FC, they are coming off the back of a frustrating match against their cross-city rivals Western Sydney Wanderers, where they failed to find the net. More than 34,000 fans packed into Allianz Stadium on Saturday night for the spectacle and a large number of those are expected to be in attendance on Thursday night to create another fantastic atmosphere.
In the Isuzu UTE A-League, Sydney FC currently sit inside the top six, accumulating seven points from six matches and finding the net 11 times. Of concern to Sydney will be the rate that they are conceding goals, with an average of two per game.
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What will be of positive news to Sky Blue fans though is the possible return of Jack Rodwell for this clash which will bolster the defence ranks having yet to play a minute this season.
For Postecoglou’s Celtic, they are flying high, having won their last nine domestic matches and sitting at the top of the Cinch Scottish Premiership table, ahead of their rivals Rangers by nine points. Celtic arrived in Australia on Tuesday evening and will have a tight turnaround ahead of Thursday’s match against the Sky Blues.
Celtic have stumbled in their continental matches this season however, failing to win any of their six matches in the UEFA Champions League despite their strong vocal home support.
Across 15 league matches, Celtic have scored 50 goals which is a league high, with the next best sitting on 34, so we can expect attacking intent from the Green and White while in Sydney.
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For both sides, a number of players will be absent at the FIFA World Cup, with Andrew Redmayne missing from Sydney FC, along with Celtic’s Aaron Mooy (Australia), Cameron Carter-Vickers (USA), Josip Juranovic (Croatia) and Daizen Maeda (Japan).
Celtic also are missing their captain Calum McGregor who is sidelined with a long term knee injury.
When asked about the match, Ange Postecoglou is excited for the challenge Sydney FC will provide his Celtic side.
“I know Sydney FC well and despite their inconsistent start to the season they are always a strong team.
“I know Stevie and a number of the boys who play in the team so I am looking forward to it and seeing them again,” Postecoglou said.
In this match and throughout the tournament, teams can name a 25 man squad featuring 11 starters and 14 substitutes. All 14 substitutes are eligible to enter the match however this must be done across 5 substitution windows (not including half-time).
If the match is level after 90 minutes, it will go to a penalty shoot-out which will be the best out of five.
Players to Watch
Robert Mak – Sydney FC
The Slovakian has made a fast start to life in Sydney FC, starting every league match and finding the net three times. Along with that, he has created 10 chances for his team-mates and has been very key for Steve Corica’s side in the attacking third. The 31 year old has played against Celtic two times when he was with his former side Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa League Group Stage. Mak also caused havoc to the Scottish National Team during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring twice against them in 2016. Mak will be hoping to find the net against Scottish opposition once again when the sides meet on Thursday night.
Kyogo Furuhashi – Celtic FC
The Japanese forward has captivated Celtic fans since his arrival from Vissel Kobe in 2021 and in his total time with Celtic has netted 31 goals from 51 appearances. He is Celtic’s top scorer currently from 10 goals in all competitions and was shocked along with many others that he wasn’t included in the Blue Samurai’s World Cup squad. Standing at just 5ft 7’, he won’t be the type of striker to bully defenders, but instead uses his pace and trickery to find space and ultimately finish when in on goal. Kyogo has been instrumental since Postecoglou’s arrival at Celtic and he will certainly be one of the favourites to find the net on Thursday night.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Celtic FC
Sydney Super Cup
Thursday 17th November 2022
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 7:45pm AEDT
Gates Open: 6:45pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: 10Bold & Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
