Expert
The reigning champions are back in action as Sydney FC face the Wellington Phoenix at Allianz Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7pm (AEDT).
After a victory in the big blue last week, Sydney FC return to greet their fans at home for the first time this season. It is always a great day when the league winners return for their first home match and a few historical moments will have been planned to celebrate the day appropriately.
While not in championship form last week, there was a professionalism and clinical nature about their performance. Limiting Melbourne Victory to essentially no meaningful shots on goal was a solid defensive display, despite having a few individuals who were a little sloppy at the back.
The Phoenix looked good last week in their one-all draw with Adelaide, who showed us on Friday that they will be a team with which to be reckoned under new manager Marco Kurz. Roy Krishna will be key for the Phoenix throughout the season and once again, he was dangerous in round one.
It was great to see Dario Vidosic on the scoreboard against Adelaide and with Andrija Kaludjerovic, Wellington will be hoping to provide a strong and consistent route to goal that takes some of the heat of the Fijian international.
For Sydney, Milos Ninkovic will continue to develop his relationship with Adrian Mierzejewski, which may yet take a few months to blossom. With the ever-dangerous Bobo lurking and Captain Alex Brosque playing consistently well, the front third for Sydney looks formidable.
Prediction
In what will be romantic return for the Sky Blues, the Phoenix will look to crash the party and, quite frankly, they have the game to do it. Sydney will, however, prove too strong and the home ground advantage could prove the difference in this clash.
Sydney FC 3, Wellington 1.
Catch all the action on The Roar’s live coverage from 7pm (AEDT).