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A-League Preview: Sydney FC - Newcastle Jets

The high-flying Sky Blues welcome the embattled Novocastrians to the SFS.

Nov 28, 2009 2:22:55 PM

Mark Bridge, Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix (Getty Images)

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Mark Bridge, Sydney FC v Wellington Phoenix (Getty Images)

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Sunday, 29 November, 17:00 AEDT
Sydney Football Stadium
A-League Round 16

Sydney FC and the Newcastle Jets go into their Round 16 clash with a stark contrast in fortunes, the Jets looking to avoid the indignity of being left in last place by the end of the weekend and the Sky Blues looking to consolidate second place.

Newcastle manager Branko Culina insisted in pre-season that he was entering into his second A-League coaching gig without any pressure but the veteran will be feeling the heat after a frustrating season that has seen an interesting mix of players fail to gel.

Fined recently for suggesting in rather blunt terms that sides surrounding the Jets were similarly mediocre, there is certainly an uneasy climate surrounding a club that has also suffered from low crowds this season.

The Sky Blues meanwhile have the chance to begin to pull away from the chasing pack along with the Melbourne Victory this weekend, something they have been unable to do despite being represented with ample opportunity.

Vitezslav Lavicka has nonetheless fashioned a professional and clinical outfit who should challenge the Victory for the Premiers crown during the regular season.

FORM GUIDE

Sydney FC

Oct 16. Adelaide United 2-1 Sydney FC
Oct 25. Sydney FC 2-1 Brisbane Roar
Nov 1. Sydney FC 3-1 Wellington Phoenix
Nov 7. Gold Coast United 1-0 Sydney FC
Nov 22. Perth Glory 2-0 Sydney FC

Newcastle Jets

Oct 23. Newcastle Jets 2-1 Central Coast Mariners
Oct 30. Brisbane Roar 1-1 Newcastle Jets
Nov 4. Wellington Phoenix 3-0 Newcastle Jets
Nov 8. Newcastle Jets 2-0 North Queensland Fury
Nov 22. Newcastle Jets 0-1 Wellington Phoenix

TEAM NEWS

Sydney FC

In: Steve Corica (returns from injury), Rhyan Grant (promoted)
Out: Karol Kisel (groin - one week)
Unavailable: Kofi Danning (broken hand - 2 weeks)

Possible Starting XI: (4-3-1-2) Bolton, Byun, Colosimo, Keller, Ryall, McFlynn, Musialik, Gan, Corica, Brosque, Bridge

Newcastle Jets

In: Donny De Groot (promoted), Jason Hoffman (promoted), Ali Abbas (promoted)
Out: Fabio Vignaroli (suspended – 1 week
Unavailable: Ben Kennedy (groin - 1 week), Shaun Ontong (Achilles – indefinite), Michael Bridges (hamstring – 1 week), Marko Jesic (knee – indefinite)

Possible Starting XI: (4-3-3) Young, D’Apuzzo, Topor-Stanley, Milicevic, Elrich, Thompson, Wheelhouse, Patafta, Song, Rooney, Haliti

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Alex Brosque (Sydney FC)

Has been outstanding for Sydney this season and deservedly was called up to the Socceroos for their Asian Cup Qualifier against Oman. He should draw more confidence from it and kick on to have a big season with the Sky Blues. Has the pace and attacking intent to wreak havoc against the Jets, his willingness to take on players a particular strength.

Labinot Haliti (Newcastle Jets)

Has proved an astute purchase by the Jets, to whom he has returned with a cultured touch and clinical finishing to add a much-needed focal point to their attack. Has linked up with Bridges encouragingly this season and despite the absence of the Englishman through injury, probably remains the Jets’ best chance of a goal at the SFS.

Prediction

These sides have starkly contrasting personalities, Sydney embodying professionalism and discipline, the Jets considerably more erratic. The former will prevail.

Sydney FC 3-1 Newcastle Jets

Chris Paraskevas, Goal.com

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