A thrilling end to the 2011-2012 Hyundai A-League season is in store on Sunday when Sydney FC take on the Newcastle Jets at the Allianz Stadium.
A thrilling end to the 2011-2012 Hyundai A-League season is in store on Sunday when Sydney FC take on the Newcastle Jets at the Allianz Stadium.
The Jets head into the match sitting sixth, hanging onto the last spot in the finals by goal difference only.
Just below them are Sydney, who know they will qualify for the post-season if they can win all three points.
In what shapes as a fascinating encounter, both sides will enter the match in good form.
Sydney FC have lost just two of their last 10 matches in an impressive run that was highlighted by a 2-1 win against the third-placed Perth Glory in February.
Against the odds, they came from two goals down to salvage a point against the Melbourne Heart last weekend, with Shannon Cole scoring a crucial double.
One of those two losses came against Newcastle though, with the Jets winning 5-2 on their last trip to Sydney.
With five wins in their last eight matches, Gary van Egmond’s side are playing well and despite losing 2-1 to Brisbane in their most recent fixture, they caused the Roar several problems going forward.
Key to Newcastle’s revival has been their away form.
After only winning one away match in 2011, the Jets have won three this year already, with a 3-1 triumph on the road against Melbourne Victory particularly impressive.
They have been strong at home this season and needed to start picking up results on the road to make the finals.
And Van Egmond’s side answered the challenge, giving themselves a chance heading into the last weekend where a draw will be enough to secure their spot in the finals.
That means Sydney will have to attack from the word go and in front of their home fans, an early goal could be crucial.
In their last home match, Vitezslav Lavicka’s side absolutely battered Melbourne Victory but could only score once.
Their conversion in front of goal needs to improve against a Jets side who will be more than happy to play for a point if need be.
Players like Brett Emerton and Nick Carle – both highly experienced and capable of doing something special – will be crucial for Sydney and might just prove the difference in what could easily be Lavicka’s last match in charge.
