An avalanche of goals but still some clean sheets to end the season: The A-League players who were the difference in Round 26
Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
Sydney FC coach Frank Farina admits he could wait until matchday on Saturday to choose his goalkeeper for the A-League derby with Western Sydney.
Farina has to decide between Ivan Necevski and Vedran Janjetovic, the latter dumped on game day before last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory.
Janjetovic was benched for arriving late to Allianz Stadium after getting stuck in traffic, with Necevski making the most of his opportunity with a strong performance.
“Ivan came in and did very well,” Farina said on Thursday.
The Sky Blues coach admits he’s cleared the air with 25-year-old Janjetovic.
“We had a good discussion this week. He made a mistake and that’s going to happen in football,” Farina said.
“You don’t crucify young football players for doing that but he’s got to learn.
“… Vedran’s played pretty much since I’ve been here. It’s one of those ones I’ll make a decision either tomorrow (Friday) or on the day. Whoever plays will do a good job.”
One player who definitely won’t run out for the Sky Blues is captain Terry McFlynn who has succumbed to a hamstring injury.
McFlynn also missed the Victory clash with the injury but it was hoped he would be right to take his place against the high-flying Wanderers, who can secure the minor premiership with a win in front of a sold-out crowd at Parramatta Stadium.
“The good thing is we’ve got pretty much everyone available, apart from Terry McFlynn, which I’m a bit disappointed in because I thought he’d be okay for this week but he’s the only one out. That’s a real positive,” Farina said.
Among the fit players Farina has to choose from is Socceroos captain Lucas Neill, who has trained strongly this week after overcoming a calf injury.
Farina is yet to decide if Neill will start the match.
A win for fifth-placed Sydney FC should be enough to secure them a place in the finals with only one regular-season game remaining after Saturday.
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Joe Lolley was outstanding for the Sky Blues, scoring a brace as Sydney FC equaled their biggest ever victory.
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