Sydney FC may be runaway leaders in the Hyundai A-League this season but they face the only side they have yet to beat in 2019/20 when they host local rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night in a rescheduled #SydneyDerby at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
Sydney FC may be runaway leaders in the Hyundai A-League this season but they face the only side they have yet to beat in 2019/20 when they host local rivals Western Sydney Wanderers on Friday night in a rescheduled #SydneyDerby at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium.
The Sky Blues only blemish so far this campaign came in the first derby back in Round 3 and it’s a result that is sure to still be stinging Head Coach Steve Corica’s troops.
Both clubs have endured contrasting fortunes since that 1-0 scoreline at Bankwest Stadium, with the Sky Blues opening up a 13-point lead at the top of the ladder on the back on a 13-game unbeaten run, including Sunday’s 3-0 win over Central Coast Mariners.
While the Wanderers have improved since Jean-Paul de Marigny has taken the reins, they have work to do if they want to play finals football.
The Red and Black head into this one five points adrift of the top six but unbeaten in their last three matches, including their 5-2 drubbing of Adelaide United last time out.
They seem to have their confidence restored and in Mitch Duke, Simon Cox and Nicolai Müller have an attacking trio full of threat – but they will need to go to another level to topple the Sky Blues.
Sydney FC are unbeaten in their last eight home derbies against the Wanderers and it should be a sellout crowd at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for this Friday night blockbuster.
Friday, 28 February 2020
Kick-off: 8pm AEDT
Venue: Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Broadcast: FOX Sports 505
Stream: MyFootball Live App, Kayo Sports
How to follow the action
Match centre: Live updates, videos and statistics
Follow @SydneyFC on Twitter and join the conversation using #SydneyDerby #SydneyIsSkyBlue
Team news
Sydney FC squad: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2.Patrick FLOTTMANN, 3.Ben WARLAND, 4.Alex WILKINSON (c), 5.Alex BAUMJOHANN, 6.Ryan McGOWAN, 9. Adam LE FONDRE, 10. Milos NINKOVIC, 11. Kosta BARBAROUSES, 12.Trent BUHAGIAR, 16.Joel KING, 17.Anthony CACERES, 18.Luke IVANOVIC, 20. Thomas HEWARD-BELLE, 21.Harry VAN DER SAAG, 23.Rhyan GRANT, 24.Marco TILIO, 26.Luke BRATTAN, 27.Jordi SWIBEL, 28.Calem NIEUWENHOF.**2-4 to be omitted**
Ins: 5.Alex BAUMJOHANN (return from suspension), 28.Calem NIEUWENHOF (promoted).
Outs: 8. Paulo RETRE (suspended – 1 week)
Unavailable: 7. Michael ZULLO (calf), 19.Chris ZUVELA (knee).
