Doubleheader football returns to Allianz Stadium this Saturday as Sydney FC Women take on Melbourne City at 2:20pm, before the Men face the Central Coast Mariners at 5:00pm.
And we preview the top five storylines ahead of this weekend’s action…
Free-scoring Sydney FC Women return home:
After thrashing Melbourne Victory 6-3 last Thursday at AAMI Park in the Big Blue, there is no doubt the Sky Blues Women pose a deadly goalscoring threat.
Princess Ibini netted her first career hattrick as Sydney FC increased their goal-scoring season tally to 23 for the season – the third highest in the Liberty A-League.
Melbourne City have scored 24 times this campaign, however Dario Vidosic’s side have played two more games (11) than the Sky Blues (9) – with league leaders Western United also on 24 goals having played 10 matches.
Andrew Redmayne vs Danny Vukovic:
The Socceroos goalkeeping teammates and former Sydney FC teammates both return to face their former employers in the Men’s clash on Saturday afternoon.
Redmayne made three appearances for the Central Coast Mariners across the 2008/09 and 2009/10 seasons, with Vukovic playing 28 times for Sydney FC – helping the club to the 2016/17 Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership-Championship double.
And this season both goalkeepers are experiencing similar campaigns.
Redmayne boasts a 63.9 save per centage in the league this season, whilst Vukovic is on 64.2 per cent – however the Sky Blues shot-stopper has faced more shots on target (61) compared to Vukovic (53).
Semi-final rematch:
Two goals down in a semi-final after 72 minutes? No problem.
After pipping Melbourne City to a spot in last year’s Grand Final, coming back from two goals down to dramatically win 4-2 in extra time, Sydney FC Women vs Melbourne City Women now holds extra significance.
In the pulsating encounter last season, Maria Jose Rojas equalised for the Sky Blues in injury time before Sarah Hunter and Cortnee Vine made it four in extra time – with City completing the match with nine players after two red cards.
And with both sides fighting again to win the Championship this year, Saturday’s blockbuster is certain to produce more drama.
Jason Cummings:
Averaging 0.97 goal involvements per 90 minutes this season, Mariners striker Jason Cummings will keep the Sydney FC Men’s defence alert on Saturday afternoon.
So far, the Mariners are top scorers in the A-League in 2022/23, with Cummings netting 8 of the Yellow and Navy’s 29 goals this campaign.
The Socceroo also has three assists to his name this season and sits in second for the Golden Boot race – only behind Melbourne City’s goal-scoring machine Jamie Maclaren (14 goals).
And with Dylan Wenzel-Halls joining the Central Coast after obtaining a release from his contract at Western United, Head Coach Nick Montgomery has extended his wealth of attacking options.
Alex Wilkinson:
Since the return of Alex Wilkinson after a lengthy groin injury, Sydney FC have only conceded one goal whilst the skipper has been on the pitch.
The captain made his comeback in the 1-0 loss to Western United at North Hobart Oval last month but was substituted off in the 85th minute for precaution before Alessandro Diamanti’s wonder-strike from more than forty metres out.
Wilkinson then completed 90 minutes in the 2-1 away win against Melbourne Victory last week, earning more valuable gametime alongside centre half partner James Donachie.
And although the Sky Blues did concede, it would take another sumptuous effort as Jake Brimmer powered home a free kick from long-range.
See both the Sydney FC Men and Women in action this Saturday as both sides search for back-to-back wins on their return to Allianz Stadium.
Match Details
Sydney FC v Central Coast Mariners
Isuzu UTE A-League Round 15
Saturday 4th February 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Kick Off: 5pm AEDT
Gates Open: 2:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+
Tickets: Click Here
Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Liberty A-League Women’s
Saturday 4th February 2023
Allianz Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Kick Off: 2:20pm AEDT
Gates Open: 2:00pm AEDT
Broadcast Live: Paramount+, 10Play & DubZone through YouTube and Facebook
Tickets: Click Here
