Last time Sydney FC played host to Daniel Sturridge, it was the then-Liverpool man tying Alex Wilkinson up in knots and finding the back of the net.
This time around, almost five years on from the friendly encounter between Sydney FC and the Reds, Wilkinson will look to learn from the prior meeting to contain Perth Glory’s prized recruit.
Sturridge scored the first of three goals in a 3-0 Liverpool win on that night in May, 2017, in an international friendly between the two teams. The Englishman used nimble footwork to send Wilkinson one way, then the other before finding the bottom corner.
“The whole experience, getting to play against Liverpool was fantastic,” Wilkinson said in the lead-in to Sydney’s meeting with Perth on Saturday night.
“It’s not something when you play in the A-League that people get to do very often.
“(Sturridge) was great, really quick, skilful player, I’m pretty sure I was marking him on that goal as well, so that wasn’t great.
“Just his movement, his speed and his dribbling ability as well, he’s obviously a world class striker and he’s scored plenty of goals in not only top class domestic football but international football as well.”
If the Sky Blues have any intention of contending for the premiers plate, the time is now to make their move as the league leaders continue to sail further into the distance.
Steve Corica’s team start the round five points behind Victory who top the table after 10 rounds. They meet a Glory side who faced Brisbane Roar in midweek – the club’s first game in 42 days – as Sturridge prepares to play his third game in purple on his cautious return to match fitness.
Sydney FC v Perth Glory
Saturday, January 22 2022
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
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Elsewhere in the A-Leagues…
LIBERTY A-LEAGUE: ADELAIDE UNITED v WELLINGTON PHOENIX
Friday, January 21 – Coopers Stadium, 6.35pm
Wellington’s brave attempt at recording a maiden Liberty A-League victory fell flat last time out, with Brisbane coming from two goals down to beat Gemma Lewis’ side 3-2.
But the signs are promising for the Nix, who travel to face an Adelaide side desperate to cling to its spot in the top four.
Look out for Reds striker Chelsie Dawber; she’s climbed into golden boot contention with four goals from her past four games and looms as Adelaide’s most lethal threat in the final third.
Adelaide United v Wellington Phoenix
Friday, January 21 2022
Coopers Stadium
Kick-off: 6.35pm AEDT
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ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: WELLINGTON PHOENIX v WESTERN UNITED
Friday, January 21 – WIN Stadium, 7.45pm AEDT
Western United can claim top spot on the Isuzu UTE A-League table with a win over the struggling Phoenix on the road on Friday night.
More than three weeks have gone by since Western’s last hit-out – a Boxing Day loss to Melbourne Victory – and John Aloisi’s men will be eager to return to winning ways.
Wellington’s woes will concern head coach Ufuk Talay, with four losses on the bounce an unwanted record heading into Round 11.
Wellington Phoenix v Western United
Friday, January 21 2022
WIN Stadium
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
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LIBERTY A-LEAGUE: SYDNEY FC v MELBOURNE CITY
Saturday, January 22 – Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, 5.05pm
Sky Blues keeper Jada Whyman can make history on Saturday evening by equalling the longest streak of consecutive clean sheets (seven) ever recorded in Liberty A-League history, currently held by Whyman’s Matildas role model and former City keeper Lydia Williams.
It’s first against second in Kogarah with league-leading Sydney FC on a tear of form; Ante Juric’s side is yet to lose this season, with six wins from seven games catapulting the Sky Blues ahead of second-placed City by four points at this stage in the campaign.
Sydney FC v Melbourne City
Saturday, January 22 2022
Netstrata Jubilee Stadium
Kick-off: 5.05pm AEDT
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LIBERTY A-LEAGUE: BRISBANE ROAR v NEWCASTLE JETS
Sunday, January 23 – Moreton Daily Stadium, 4.05pm
The Jets travel to Queensland on Sunday looking to continue their surprising tilt at a top four slot, with Ash Wilson’s side sitting one point behind fourth-placed Adelaide with a game in hand on the Reds at this stage in the season.
Brisbane, meanwhile, are starting to get on a roll. Three consecutive losses to begin the season put the Roar behind the eight-ball, but two wins and a draw from the following four games have steadied the ship.
Katrina Gorry knocked back the opportunity to join the Matildas at the Asian Cup this month in favour of extending her stay in Queensland, and is shining brightly at the pointy end of Brisbane’s midfield.
Brisbane Roar v Newcastle Jets
Sunday, January 23 2022
Moreton Daily Stadium
Kick-off: 4.05pm AEDT
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ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: BRISBANE ROAR v ADELAIDE UNITED
Sunday, January 23 – Moreton Daily Stadium, 6.45pm
Japanese recruit Hiroshi Ibusuki couldn’t have asked for a better start to life at the Reds after netting on debut to snatch a late point against City in Round 10. Now, the towering striker travels with his side to Queensland determined to shoulder the attacking burden in a side depleted by injuries and transfers out of the club.
This is Brisbane’s second fixture in five days at Moreton Daily Stadium after winning for the first time this season against Perth on Wednesday night. Warren Moon’s side have had a torrid start to the 2021/22 campaign and can begin to climb the table with back-to-back wins on home soil.
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Sunday, January 23
Moreton Daily Stadium
Kick-off: 6.45pm AEDT
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ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: BRISBANE ROAR v ADELAIDE UNITED
Sunday, January 23 – Moreton Daily Stadium, 6.45pm
Japanese recruit Hiroshi Ibusuki couldn’t have asked for a better start to life at the Reds after netting on debut to snatch a late point against City in Round 10. Now, the towering striker travels with his side to Queensland determined to shoulder the attacking burden in a side depleted by injuries and transfers out of the club.
This is Brisbane’s second fixture in five days at Moreton Daily Stadium after winning for the first time this season against Perth on Wednesday night. Warren Moon’s side have had a torrid start to the 2021/22 campaign and can begin to climb the table with back-to-back wins on home soil.
Brisbane Roar v Adelaide United
Sunday, January 23
Moreton Daily Stadium
Kick-off: 6.45pm AEDT
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LIBERTY A-LEAGUE: PERTH GLORY v WESTERN SYDNEY WANDERERS
Sunday, January 23 – Central Coast Stadium, 6.45pm
Disappointment reigned in Round 7 for Glory and Wanderers, with both sides conceding late goals to cough up valuable points.
Perth let the Jets steal a draw after taking a 1-0 lead into the final 15 minutes of their most recent fixture, whilst the Wanderers buckled late on against the Victory in a 1-0 defeat on home soil.
These two teams remain in finals contention; three points earned on Sunday afternoon could see either side finish Round 8 in the top four providing other results go their way.
Perth Glory v Western Sydney Wanderers
Sunday, January 23 2022
Central Coast Stadium
Kick-off: 6.45pm AEDT
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ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: CENTRAL COAST MARINERS v MELBOURNE CITY
Sunday, January 23 – Central Coast Stadium, 4.05pm
An FFA Cup semifinal triumph over Sydney FC in midweek has the Mariners flying ahead of a meeting with the reigning champions.
Nick Montgomery’s side is fifth on the table, and could climb above City with a three-point display this weekend. But the danger signs of a City resurgence are starting to appear, with prized City recruit Mathew Leckie notching two assists in his last hit-out for fellow Socceroos Andrew Nabbout and Jamie Maclaren.
Star City centre back Nuno Reis misses through suspension after collecting a red card against Adelaide United.
Central Coast Mariners v Melbourne City
Sunday, January 23 2022
Central Coast Stadium
Kick-off: 4.05pm AEDT
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LIBERTY A-LEAGUE: MELBOURNE VICTORY v SYDNEY FC
Tuesday, January 25 – AAMI PARK, 5.05pm
It’s the Grand Final rematch we’ve all been waiting for as Sydney FC venture to AAMI Park eager to enact revenge for last season’s shock result in the title decider.
Victory won the 2020/21 Grand Final by the most slender of margins, with Cooney-Cross converting direct from a corner in the last minute of extra time to stun the premiers and clinch the championship.
Halfway through the 2021/22 campaign the Sky Blues finally get the chance to meet their great nemesis for the first time this season. Expect fireworks as the Big Blue explodes into action.
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Tuesday, January 25 2022
AAMI Park
Kick-off: 5.05pm AEDT
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ISUZU UTE A-LEAGUE: MELBOURNE VICTORY v SYDNEY FC
Tuesday, January 25 – AAMI Park, 7.45pm AEDT
Elvis Kamsoba’s starring Sydney role has the Burundi international in red-hot form and eager to return eager to haunt his former side when the first Big Blue of the Isuzu UTE A-League season kicks off at AAMI Park on Tuesday night.
But Tony Popovic’s Victory outfit has taken pleasure in reminding rivals of their class this season, and sit top of the table heading into this round of fixtures.
The well-rested Victory face a Sydney side backing up three days after a Saturday-night showdown with Perth.
Melbourne Victory v Sydney FC
Tuesday, January 25 2022
AAMI Park
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
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