Sydney v Perth: Del Piero v Gallas

Just which team are more likely to feature in the Hyundai A-League finals should be known after Sydney FC host Perth Glory at Allianz Stadium.

Just which team are more likely to feature in the Hyundai A-League finals should be known after Sydney FC host Perth Glory at Allianz Stadium.

Frank Farina’s under-fire Sky Blues are just outside the top six after a horror run of form which has seen them win only one of their past eight.

Perth are also in poor form, heading into the clash away from home on the back of a four-game winless run.

As usual for Sydney, Alessandro Del Piero shapes as being a key to their chances of kick-starting their campaign.

But just how will William Gallas’ first trip to the Harbour City play out and can Del Piero rip apart the Glory defence with his creativity?

What to expect:

Del Piero: expect more of the same from the superstar Italian as he slips into pockets of space between the lines to create for the Sky Blues. Michael Thwaite is perhaps more likely than Gallas to follow the veteran, whose smarts make him a regular danger.

Gallas: Much like Del Piero, the 36-year-old’s experience makes him a key in the centre of the Glory’s defence. Gallas’ positioning and leadership, particularly of younger full-backs, help Kenny Lowe’s men. He is yet to produce his best in the A-League.

How to minimise their impact:

Del Piero: the 39-year-old is Sydney’s most fouled player for a reason and that often breaks up the Sky Blues’ attacks. That should be fine for Perth – as long as those are outside free-kick range. Keeping Del Piero with his back to goal and some distance from the box would be considered a win for Perth.

Gallas: exposing the former Chelsea and Arsenal defender for the pace he has lost could be the key for Sydney. Del Piero’s passing is capable of doing that, while speedy striker Mitchell Mallia might get a run off the bench at least. Sydney must get the centre-back moving, ideally towards his own goal.

Sydney FC assistant coach Steve Corica:

‘That’ll be a good battle – the attacking flair of Del Piero versus the defensive side of Gallas. That’s part and parcel of the big game coming up this weekend. From our point of view, it’s a home game and we definitely need three points after everything that’s been going on at the club.’

Key Stats:

Del Piero leads Sydney for:

Goals (7) – fifth most in the A-League

Shots on target (15)

Shots off target (18)

Shot attempts (42) – seventh in the A-League

Dribbles attempted (38)

Fouls won (41)

Gallas has:

Played (361) minutes since joining Perth

Yet to play in a Glory victory

Played just one full game

*Stats via Opta