The rivalry between Sydney FC and the Wellington Phoenix may be an unlikely one but the Trans-Tasman battle typically produces extremely close contests, and the same is expected when the two teams meet at the Sydney Football Stadium this Sunday.
The rivalry between Sydney FC and the Wellington Phoenix may be an unlikely one but the Trans-Tasman battle typically produces extremely close contests, and the same is expected when the two teams meet at the Sydney Football Stadium this Sunday.
In six games all time Sydney FC has won two, the Phoenix three, with only one match ending in a draw, and the head to head record sees both sides sitting on seven goals.
Both teams have made strong starts to their 2009/10 Hyundai A-League campaigns, and Vitezslav Lavicka-s men are keen to continue their roll this weekend.
“Seven points from three matches is not bad start,” assessed Slovak international, Karol Kisel after training on Friday. “We need to confirm it this week – we need a win and we will have ten points, it is, I think (a) really good start.”
Despite being one of only three undefeated sides in the competition after three rounds, the 2nd placed Sky Blues know they-re in for a real test against Wellington, which has been one of the League-s form teams and sits deservingly in the top-4 after a fighting draw on the road in its last-start against the Roar.
“Against Brisbane last week, second half especially they played very tough,” said Coach Lavicka. “Similar style played against Newcastle – they were losing two nil and equalised 2-2. Very tough and dangerous team I think.”
“They-re not too bad,” added Kisel. “We must be careful and we must play our style. We must play quick.”
The Czech mentor has had an unchanged squad since the start of the season and has started with the same lineup for the last two weeks. With all of his players fit Lavicka again has some tough selection decisions to make this weekend but continues to play his cards close to his chest.
“We have still two days before the game, we have some idea but I-m going to tell the team first,” he said.
Sydney FC-s round-4 clash with Wellington kicks-off at the SFS at 5pm on Sunday.
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