Sydney FC travel north to face Newcastle Jets on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium in their final clash for the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 regular season.
Sydney FC travel north to face Newcastle Jets on Saturday at McDonald Jones Stadium in their final clash for the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 regular season.
The Sky Blues have already tied up second place, and it will be interesting to see if Head Coach Steve Corica rests some of his stars ahead of the Finals Series, with the squad also having to contend with a demanding AFC Champions League campaign.
They fought out a 2-2 draw with star-studded Shanghai SIPG in China on Tuesday night, but after the visit to the Hunter they will have next weekend off to prepare for their Semi-Final the following week.
The Sky Blues got the better of premiers Perth Glory in Round 26, with Adam Le Fondre’s goal enough for a 1-0 win in Kogarah.
While the Jets can no longer make the Finals Series they are busy planning for the future as coach Ernie Merrick casts his gaze towards next season.
A host of Newcastle’s young stars shone last time out against Brisbane Roar as they thumped their opponents 6-1 at Suncorp Stadium.
Winger Joey Champness was particularly impressive, notching two goals and an assist, while Angus Thurgate displayed a maturity beyond his years as he prompted and probed from midfield.
Key Opta stats
- Newcastle Jets have only mustered one victory in their last 18 Hyundai A-League matches against Sydney FC (D4 L13).
- Sydney FC have managed to get on the scoresheet in 18 successive Hyundai A-League matches on the road; last failing to do so in January 2018.
- 94.7% of the goals scored by the Jets this season have come from inside the penalty area (36/38); the highest share of any side in the Hyundai A-League.
Ins and outs
Sydney FC squad: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2.Aaron CALVER, 4.Alex WILKINSON, 5.Jop van der LINDEN, 6.Josh BRILLANTE, 8.Paulo RETRE, 9.Adam LE FONDRE, 10.Milos NINKOVIC, 11.Danny DE SILVA, 13.Brandon O’NEILL, 16.Reza GHOOCHANNEJHAD, 18. Jacob TRATT, 20.Alex CISAK (gk), 21. Mitch AUSTIN, 23.Rhyan GRANT, 24. Cam DEVLIN, 25. Joel KING, 31. Luke IVANOVIC..
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 5.Jop van der LINDEN (promoted), 24. Cam DEVLIN (promoted), 25. Joel KING (promoted), 31. Luke IVANOVIC (promoted).
Outs: 17.Anthony CACERES (not selected), 22.Siem DE JONG (not selected).
Unavailable: 3.Ben WARLAND (ACL – indefinite), 7. Michael ZULLO (hamstring – 1 week), 12. Trent BUHAGIAR (ACL – indefinite), 14.Alex BROSQUE (heel – one week), 19. Chris ZUVELA (ACL – indefinite)
How to watch
#WatchWithUs LIVE and back your Sky Blues ahead of the Hyundai A-League Finals Series. Get to our Official Home Away from Home at The Star, Sydney to cheer on the squad or tune into FOX SPORTS 505 to watch this one with kick-off at 5.35pm (AEST). You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App, or subscribe to Kayo Sports.
