There will be an extra edge to Saturday’s TV match as Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets take to the biggest stage of all for a Westfield W-League match – Sydney’s ANZ Stadium
The Homebush Bay venue – host to the 2000 Sydney Olympics and numerous crucial Socceroos matches – will host its maiden Westfield W-League match, ahead of the same two clubs doing battle in the Hyundai A-League later in the afternoon.
As if that, and the added attraction of live TV coverage – this time on Saturday – is not enough, the two teams involved are in a desperate battle for a play-off berth.
Sydney FC are well placed in third, four points clear of Newcastle and the rest of the chasing pack, with two rounds remaining. But defeat here would likely leave them facing a highly uncomfortable visit to Melbourne City in the final round.
The Sky Blues had last weekend off and endured contrasting performances either side of Christmas. Their last match of 2015 was a hard-won 2-1 scoreline over Melbourne Victory, preceded by a hefty 3-0 loss against Brisbane Roar the last time they fronted the TV cameras.
There was similar disappointment for Newcastle last weekend in front of a nationwide audience with a 1-0 loss against the Victory continuing a run of erratic results.
But there is far too much talent on either side for this contest to be a low-key affair. Not to mention numerous players from this week’s Westfield Matildas camp will be on display. But whatever the result, it will be a special occasion for TV viewers and local supporters alike.
Watch all the action Live from SATURDAY 2.00pm nationally on Fox Sports (Channel 505), or ABC TV. Or catch-up on ABC iView.
Sydney FC v Newcastle Jets
SATURDAY 9 January 2016
ANZ Stadium, Homebush Bay, Sydney
Local kick-off: 2pm
(Hyundai A-League double-header)