Sydney FC must win to progress to the Grand Final this Saturday night, and three significant matchups may sway the result in the Sky Blues’ favour.
This fixture has some of the largest names in the Isuzu UTE A-League, from big players to captains to goal scorers and international stars.
Take a look at three matchups that may impact the crucial second-leg semi-final.
Luke Brattan vs Josh Nisbet
Luke Brattan and Josh Nisbet have been the centrepieces of their team all season. From weaving the ball through and around players, providing key passes, or making goals of their own, both these men have had a stellar season.
But now, with it being advantage Nisbet, can Brattan pull one back and lead the Sky Blues to a Grand-Final berth?
Brattan has built his way into his first season as Captain for the Sky Blues and is often dispatching balls right and left, and creating big chances.
He is the centre of the well-oiled machine that is Sydney FC’s high-risk, high-reward press, and after injury concerns clouded his fitness for the home leg last week, he made 96 touches and created 65 passes, which was the most out of any Sky Blue on the pitch.
However, he is coming up against Josh Nisbet, who works his season-defining magic in the left forward half of the Mariners attack, wrestling, tussling and dribbling through the Sky Blues defence.
That’s something Nisbet has done all season and he was rewarded with a debut Socceroos appearance, as the 24-year-old contributed to twelve of the Mariners goals, including nine assists.
Both players enjoy dominating across the park and maintaining possession, making this a defining matchup for the semi-final.
Mikael Doka vs Joel King
Mikael Doka relished Sydney FC’s red cards woes, as the right midfielder pounded the centre of the Sky Blues’ defence with cross after a cross from the right wing, seeing him create two big chances for the Mariners.
Similar to Nisbet, Doka has been crucial for Central Coast this campaign, but on the right side of the field. His success has come in ground duels and making tackles; but also turning those defensive capabilities into surging attacks into the box. He has contributed to ten of the Mariners goals with three goals and seven assists.
However, Joel King seems to like scoring against the Mariners, as he poked Sydney FC’s crucial goal past Danny Vukovic last Friday.
Beyond goals, King has been an extremely consistent defender for the Sky Blues this season, playing into Ufuk Talay’s high press tactics by moving himself into a left wing back / inverted full back position at times, where he can loft a ball into the box.
He moves in a similar style to Mikael Doka, controlling the entire left side of the field, and he has the second most clearances out of any defender in the squad.
Both men will come face-to-face on their side of the pitch making this a key matchup to look out for.
Robert Mak vs Brian Kaltak
Robert Mak has consistently been the starting striker for the Sky Blues over the past three weeks as he gears up for his Euros 2024 campaign with Slovakia.
The 33-year-old’s right foot has seven goals for Sydney FC this season, and he generates six big chances per game.
Nine out of ten of his goals have come in the box, making him dangerous whenever he enters the area.
Last week Brian Kaltak was instrumental in limiting Mak to no shots on goal all game, as he stuck by his side until Ufuk Talay eventually subbed the Slovakian-international off in the 84th minute.
Kaltak is a physical defender making the second most number of tackles per game for the Mariners and being the highest clearance maker.
This makes him one of Central Coast’s defensive leaders, as the team has clocked in 12 clean sheets and has the second-best defensive record when it comes to goals conceded out of any side.
Kaltack and Mak have put in solid performances for their teams week in and week out, and whether Mak can get the upper hand in this second leg could define Sydney FC’s Grand Final hopes.
Match Details:
Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
Isuzu UTE A-League Semi-Final Leg Two Saturday 18th May, 2024
Industree Group Stadium, Gosford – Kick Off: 7:45PM,
Broadcast Live: Paramount+ and 10PLAY
Tickets: Click Here
