It’s a family friendly afternoon delight as the winless Adelaide United travel to the new Allianz Stadium to take on Sydney FC.
Sydney FC got on the board with a strong win away at the reigning champions, Western United thanks to a come from behind victory. Goals to Adam Le Fondre, Robert Mak and Joe Lolley turned the momentum Sky Blue and left Steve Corica satisfied but wanting more.
Sydney return to the stunning Allianz Stadium where they opened the season and were the better team against Melbourne Victory, but failed to come away with the result. This time around, they will be hoping for differing fortunes as they entertain the Reds who have haven’t quite got going this season.
Adelaide struggled to create many openings away in Wellington in Round One, despite having an extra man for 60 minutes and only found the net at the death. Last week they wasted a few early opportunities against the Bulls and were trampled by Dwight Yorke’s side who ran out 2-0 winners thanks to some Daniel Arzani brilliance.
READ MORE: INS & OUTS | ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE ROUND THREE
WATCH MORE: ANTHONY CACERES | PLAYING A NEW POSITION AND LOVING IT
Craig Goodwin is yet to play a full match for Carl Veart this season after struggling with injury during pre-season and many believe that he is the key to their success on field.
Last season, Sydney and Adelaide had one win a-piece at the away venue and the Reds managed to pull a rabbit out of the hat with late heroics at Kogarah. In the reverse fixture, Tom Heward-Belle was the hero as he saved a penalty at the end of the match to give himself and his team-mates all three points.
This time around, Sydney will still be without Alex Wilkinson and Jack Rodwell who miss out through injury. Adelaide have also announced that they will be without some of their key performers with Bernardo, Zach Clough and Josh Cavallo all missing this clash as they require more time on the treatment table.
Ones to Watch
Patrick Yazbek – Sydney FC
Patrick Yazbek has cemented his spot in Steve Corica’s starting XI and shows that the pathway does exist for Academy players. The 20-year-old made his debut last season away against the Central Coast Mariners and since then has gone from strength to strength and has added to his game even more. In the opening two matches, Yazbek has created three chances, the same amount that he created last season across 14 games. This shows how the new formation that Steve Corica is playing, is allowing creative players like Patrick to flourish.
With two assists to his name already this season, the attacking midfielder will surely be finding the net himself in a matter of time and is certainly capable of producing moments of brilliance on the Allianz Stadium turf.
Hiroshi Ibusuki – Adelaide United
Hiroshi Ibusuki was drafted back into the squad for the trip to face Macarthur last weekend and the striker failed to find the net on a number of occasions. The Japanese forward who earnt his trade in Spain with Sevilla before returning to Japan to play in the J-League, knows his way to goa and netted six times in his debut season Down Under. He also found the net twice in Adelaide’s Australia Cup run which took them to the Quarter Finals.
Ibusuki scored each of his goals from inside the box last season, half with his head, and the other with his right foot. If Sydney FC want to have success on Sunday afternoon, they will need to shut down the Japanese and prevent him getting service from the likes of Craig Goodwin.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Adelaide United
Isuzu UTE A-League Round Three
Sunday 23rd October 2022
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 3pm
Gates Open: 2pm
Junior Blue Fanzone Opens: 1:30pm
Tickets: Click Here
Broadcast: Network 10 & Paramount+
