Sydney FC skipper Steve Corica has warned his troops to prepare for their toughest test of the season when they travel to Etihad Stadium on Saturday to face a Melbourne Victory line-up motivated by revenge.
The Sky Blues embarrassed Ernie Merrick’s men on their own turf back in Round 10, returning to Sydney with all three points after an emphatic 3-0 win.
“I think Kevin Muscat’s said it already in the press … they were obviously hurt by that result last time and they want to put on a good performance on for their crowd,” Corica said on Thursday.
“They did it against Central Coast who beat them twice down they and they came back and beat them 3-0.”
“We’re well aware of what they’re about and how good a team they are. They’re a fantastic team going forward and defensively so we know we have to be on our game to beat them.”
The top-of-the-table clash holds major significance for both teams with Melbourne currently holding a three-point advantage over its bitter rival at the top of the Hyundai A-League ladder.
“It’s massive really, obviously we need to pick up some points in Melbourne otherwise they go six points in front of us,” Corica said.
“So it’s a massive game on our behalf and obviously away from home as well makes it that little bit more difficult. But we had a good result last time we were down there – I’m sure they remember that – and hopefully we can put on the same kind of performance and put on three points.”
Adding to the degree of difficulty for the Sky Blues is the absence of suspended defender Simon Colosimo, while John Aloisi is also an unlikely starter as he continues to battle a hamstring complaint.
It’s not all bad news for coach Vitezslav Lavicka, however, with in-form striker Mark Bridge set to return to the starting line-up.
“Bridgey’s 100 percent ready,” Lavicka revealed.
“Johnny has a special treatment program this week and we’ll make a decision tomorrow.”
Meanwhile, Corica says the emotion surrounding Muscat’s 500th appearance at national league level will not soften the Sky Blues’ approach.
“It’s his 500th league game so congratulations to him, but it’s not our concern we’re going down there for the points,” Corica said of his good friend.
“On the field he’s a winner, he’s a leader and he shows that. He is irritating on the field but that’s part and parcel of him, he’s a fantastic bloke off the field.”
