Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka has played down suggestions his side will come up against an out-of-form and vulnerable Melbourne Victory in the Hyundai A-League clash between the two bitter rivals at the SFS on Saturday night.
The Victory looked assured of a finals berth just a few weeks ago on the back of a seven-match unbeaten run but head to Sydney under pressure after two straight defeats.
Ernie Merrick’s side will also be without strikers Robbie Kruse (Socceroos duty) and Archie Thompson (injured), while inspirational skipper Kevin Muscat is suspended.
Sydney on the other hand are finally starting to find some form with back-to-back wins to move away from the foot of the ladder.
It’s enough to suggest the Sky Blues should be confident of toppling the Victory but Lavicka knows the tense and often acrimonious relationship between the clubs means previous results mean absolutely nothing.
“Every clash against Melbourne victory is amazing for both teams and for football fans,” the Sydney boss said.
“I think we (have) improved now in this last part of the season.”
“We are focussed to keep going the same way against them and try to get good result and play good football for Sydney FC fans.”
“They’ve had trouble this season as well but we have a respect for them.”
“I think both teams have other quality players in their squads, so it should be an entertaining game.”
Asked if he believed there would never be a better rime to play the Victory, a coy Lavicka said: “As I said they’re missing a couple of key players, and we are also missing a couple of key players.”
“We know that they have a good team and a good quality squad.”
“We are just keen to play good football and get a good result against them.”
Sydney’s woes this season has seen their home crowds steadily decline but Lavicka was hopeful the supporters would get behind them for the game against the club’s biggest rivals.
“I hope that we have showed the Sydney FC fans in the last two games that we are able to play good football,” he said.
“I believe that they will come and create good environment for us.”
“The rivalry between Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory is one of the biggest in the league. We need good support from the stands.”
Lavicka said his injured contingent of Mark Bridge, Alex Brosque and Hayden Foxe were all unlikely to be fit in time to face the Victory but is confident all three will be available for the club’s next match against the Central Coast.
