Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has warned his men to be ready for anything against Hyundai A-League newcomers North Queensland Fury FC at Dairy Farmers Stadium.
The Sky Blues ran out 4-0 winners against a Fury line-up missing marquee man Robbie Fowler and other key players in a pre-season clash in Sydney six weeks ago.
But Lavicka knows his charges can expect a much tougher test against a fired up Fury in Saturday’s historic clash in Townsville.
“We have respect for all teams especially for North Queensland Fury because they are a new team,” he said.
“They have big potential and try to be successful, we played against them during pre-season but the main season is absolutely different to the pre-season – we respect them.”
While wary of Ian Ferguson’s men, Lavicka, who took over the coaching reins from John Kosmina in April, is confident his team is well prepared.
“It’s the smell of the start of the season, it’s typical,” he said when asked how he is feeling ahead of his A-League debut
“The players know it the coaching staff as well, everyone is ready to start … I am happy, I want to start on Saturday.”
Mystery still surrounds Sydney’s starting line-up with the midfield the most contentious area.
Slovakian international Karol Kisel appears likely to partner Terry McFlynn in centre-midfield ahead of Stuart Musialik, but it is unclear how the well-credentialed Czech coach will use skipper Steve Corica and the versatile Alex Brosque.
Mark Bridge, Kofi Danning and Brendan Gan appear locked in a three-way battle for the final starting spot, while the back-four of Sung Hwan Byun, Simon Colosimo, Stephan Keller and Shannon Cole appears set in stone.
Clint Bolton appears to have edged out Ivan Necevski in the battle of the custodians.
One player assured of his starting position is marquee striker Aloisi, who has recovered from a minor ankle strain in time for the Round 1 blockbuster.
“Last season is (in the) past, Johnny worked very hard during pre-season and he’s ready,” Lavicka said of the former Socceroo who managed two goals in 16 appearances last season.
“He’s ready to play and he’s a very important part of our team.”
The Sky Blues will finalise preparations with a closed training run at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Friday afternoon.
