Sydney FC’s AFC Champions League hopes go on the line on Tuesday night (9pm kick-off AEST on Fox Sports 505) when they take on Suwon Samsung Bluewings.
Graham Arnold’s side went down 2-0 in Sydney when the two sides met earlier in the group stage and must win in Korea to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
The Sky Blues are currently on two points in Group H, with Suwon currently in second spot and able to progress to the last 16 if they can claim maximum points.
SQUAD NEWS
Defender Michael Zullo is again likely to miss out through injury, while striker Matt Simon is suspended after picking up two yellow cards.
After missing the last two Hyundai A-League games due to international duty with the Caltex Socceroos, midfielder Josh Brillante returns and should come into the starting XI.
Milos Ninkovic and Bobô both missed the side’s last ACL clash but are back for this one.
WHAT THEY SAID (skipper Alex Brosque)
“It’s a big game for us, we want to get a win on board and still keep ourselves in with a chance.
“While there’s still a chance [we can progress] we still have a lot of hope. We know a win can get us that little bit closer and put pressure on other teams.
“We need results going our way but we can only control what we can take care of. If we can win on Tuesday night and then go home and beat Shanghai, then we have a chance.
“We’ve played very well away from home and been close to winning both of our matches.”
VIDEO | Watch Alex Brosque's verdict on being crowned 2018 Premiers & going back to back ahead of Tuesday's vital @TheAFCCL match against Suwon Bluewings #SydneyIsSkyBlue #NotDoneYet #ACL2018 pic.twitter.com/mwAN7g7V3t
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) April 1, 2018
SUWON FORM
The Bluewings beat Jeju United 1-0 on the weekend, leaving them fifth on the K-League ladder with seven points from the opening four games.
They are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions.
In the AFC Champions League, they beat Shanghai Shenhua 2-0 in China in their latest clash, to sit second in the group on seven points, one behind leaders Kashima Antlers.
SUWON’S KEY PLAYERS
Striker Dejan Damjanovic was the difference in Sydney in February scoring both goals in the 2-0 win and he’ll be the man the Sky Blues must stop.
The former Montenegro international should enjoy good service from the likes Lim Sang-hyub and captain Yeom Ki-hun.
Caltex Socceroos defender and ex-Sky Blues fan-favourite Matt Jurman is also a part of the Suwon squad, although is unlikely to play due to injury.
We’re the Hyundai A-League Premiers but we’re #NotDoneYet…Be at Allianz Stadium for our remaining two clashes and secure your seats, say you were there and be a part of history!
