Sydney bragging rights are up for grabs again on Saturday night as Western Sydney Wanderers host Sydney FC at ANZ Stadium in the standout fixture of Round 8.
While history tells you the Sky Blues should start warm favourites in this fixture, it’s the Wanderers who head into the clash in better form.
Sydney FC’s title tilt took a shock hit last weekend when they were dispatched 3-1 at home by the Wellington Phoenix.
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It was the first time in a few years where it looked like there were some serious cracks in the Sky Blues’ armour.
But was it just a one-off? The white-hot atmosphere of a derby is sure to answer that question.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5977089526001
The Wanderers will certainly be buoyed by their last outing, a morale-boosting 2-0 win over Central Coast Mariners.
The return of central defender Patrick Ziegler is hugely significant, with the German adding some composure and steel to Western Sydney’s defence.
He’ll need to be at his best though as Sydney FC has won nine of the last 14 derbies, losing just once in that run.
Steve Corica’s men have also won the last three games in a row against the Wanderers. No team in the history of the Sydney Derby has ever won four on the bounce.
The clash also pits the two most prolific strikers when it comes to shots on target this season, with Wanderers hitman Oriol Riera (15) and Sydney’s Adam Le Fondre (13) leading the way in that category.
It will be an extra special occasion for Wanderers keeper (and former Sky Blue) Vedran Janjetovic, who will play his 150th Hyundai A-League game.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=5976741945001
Key Opta Stats
- Sydney FC has won four of their six games at ANZ Stadium, including a 5-0 win over Western Sydney Wanderers in their last game at the venue.
- Each of the Wanderers’ last seven wins in the Hyundai A-League have come against teams currently ranked below them on the ladder (3 v Wellington, 2 v Central Coast, 2 v Brisbane).
- Sydney FC has conceded just two second-half goals this campaign, fewer than any other team in the Hyundai A-League.
Ins and Outs
Western Sydney Wanderers FC squad: 1.Danijel NIZIC (GK), 4.Josh RISDON, 5.Brendan HAMILL (c), 7.Nick FITZGERALD, 8.Jordan O’DOHERTY, 9.Oriol RIERA, 10.Alex BAUMJOHANN, 11.Bruce KAMAU, 16.Jaushua SOTIRIO, 17.Keanu BACCUS, 18.Marc TOKICH, 20.Vedran JANJETOVIC (GK), 21.Tarek ELRICH, 22.Rashid MAHAZI, 24.Raul LLORENTE, 28.Roly BONEVACIA, 34.Patrick ZIEGLER, 49.Abraham MAJOK
Ins: 22.Rashid MAHAZI (promoted), 28.Roly BONEVACIA (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 12.Ruon TONGYIK (injury – one week), 19.Mark BRIDGE (injury – two weeks)
Sydney FC squad: 1.Andrew REDMAYNE (gk), 2.Aaron CALVER, 4.Alex WILKINSON, 5.Jop van der LINDEN, 6.Josh BRILLANTE, 7.Michael ZULLO, 8.Paulo RETRE, 9.Adam LE FONDRE, 10.Milos NINKOVIC, 11.Daniel DE SILVA, 13.Brandon O’NEILL, 14.Alex BROSQUE (c), 20.Alex CISAK (gk), 21.Charles LOKOLI-NGOY, 22.Siem DE JONG, 23.Rhyan GRANT, 24.Cam DEVLIN, 31. Luke IVANOVIC.
**two to be omitted**
Ins: 21.Charles LOKOLI-NGOY (promoted), 24.Cam DEVLIN (promoted).
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 3.Ben WARLAND (foot – 3 weeks), 12.Trent BUHAGIAR (ACL – indefinite), 19.Chris ZUVELA (knee – indefinite),
How to watch
Do not miss any of the action on FOX SPORTS 505 from 7:50pm AEDT or LIVE and FREE on 10 Bold or tenplay.
You can also stream it live on the MyFootball Live App.
Tickets
It should be another pulsating Sydney Derby so make sure you’re there. Secure your seat here.
