Mathematically, Sydney FC can still win the league. Realistically, it’s a battle for second place when they cross the ditch to take on Wellington Phoenix in the final round of the A-League season. Join The Roar from 3.00pm for live scores, updates and debate in our live blog.
After picking up just four points in four weeks, it’s been a dire few weeks for the Nix. Gone is the confident, attacking football that saw them in contention for the Premiers Plate at the beginning of April, replaced with a stuttering, predictable style that has been picked apart by the two sides ahead of them on the table.
While the come-from-behind win against the Mariners last week will have done wonders for his side’s confidence, Ernie Merrick will be looking for a vast improvement to the side that was beaten 3-nil the last time these two sides met.
On that occasion, Merrick had to do without his international stars Nathan Burns, Michael McGlinchey, Louis Fenton and Michael Boxall and Sydney were able to contain midfield danger man Rory Bonevacia. This time around, with his full compliment of players Merrick knows the game will be won and lost in the midfield and will be hoping Bonevacia can bounce back from his recent form slump.
After their last-start win against the Nix and with one of the league’s most potent midfielders, Milos Dimitrijevic, Sydney head into the clash as slight favourites.
Dimitrijevic has overcome a slow start to his A-League career to become one of the most dangerous midfielders in the league. His ability to deliver inch-perfect passes to Bernie Ibini and Chris Naumoff has plagued defences all season and you can expect more of the same this afternoon.
Incredibly Sydney are undefeated away from home this season and with Mickael Tavares and Nikola Petkovic expected to return from injury, the Sky Blues are well positioned to continue that record in the final round of the season.
It’s a simple equation: a win for either side guarantees a home final, while Sydney just need a draw to secure second place. To find out who will earn themselves a week off in the first week of the finals, join The Roar from 3.00pm (AEST) for live scores, updates and debate in our live blog.
Gareth
Guest
Hey they haven't won it just yet! We're still in with a chance! Inconceivably unlikely is still a chance right?
billyelliott
Roar Guru
So that's it in Wellington. Sydney finish second and earn a week off in the first week of the finals. Victory win the premiers plate and Kevin Muscat becomes the first person to win it as a player and a coach. The Nix, well it could have been so different had Bonevacia scored that early penalty. But they finish the season 4th and will play host to Melbourne City next week to keep their hopes of a first championship alive. Final score: Wellington 1 Sydney 2
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+3' SO we've played the three minutes. Whistle expected at any moment now. Another Sydney chance?? No, Stambolziev offside. Nix 1 2 Sydney
jamesb
Guest
Sydney will finish second.
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+3' Another challenge from behind on Stambolziev and Sigmund goes into the book. Sydney make a change. Brosque replaced by Calver. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+2 As it stands. 1. Victory 2. Sydney 3. Adelaide 4. Nix Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90+1' Into the first of three added minutes at the end of this one. Sydney will finish second. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
90' Into the final minute. Free kick delivered by McGlinchey it bobbles around but it is eventually cleared. Stambolziev sets off and is tackled from behind by Cunningham who earns a yellow card for his trouble. Terrible challenge. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
87' Intent was there from Ibini but he was unable to wrap his foot around it enough to play it into the path of Smeltz. It's been a stuttering Sydney in this second half but they look like they might be able to hold on to secure a week off. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
86' Yellow for Grant. Pulling the shirt of Bonevacia right in front of the ref is never going to end in your favour. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
84' Another Nix attack and the final ball is wanting from Boxall. It was a wall of Sky Blue and Sydney's defenders doing enough to put the Kiwi off. Brosque streams forward, cross finds its way to Smeltz But Tavares runs out of room and the nix have a goal kick. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
83' Wayward pass that falls in between two Sydney players sums up their game today. Confusion reigning. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
82' Faty with some impressive defending to deny Krishna. Fans (and Kiwi commentators) up in arms but it was a fair challenge. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
80' Ten minutes to go. Sydney not one to rest on a lead and the Nix need to win. Stambolziev putting the pressure on Durante who does his best Harry Kewell impression and tries to implore Stebre to award a foul. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
79' Sigmund nipping at the heels of Brosque and the Nix do enough for Sydney to turn it over. It was looking positive for Sydney with Ibini getting the better of Boxall but they were unable to move the ball quick enough to hurt the Nix. Final change for Nix, Fenton off replaced by Rodriguez. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
78' Have to hand it to the Nix, a different side in the second half. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
76' Petkovic too slow to play in Brosque and Sydney again turn it over inside their own half. Cunningham with immediate impact, winning the Nix a corner. Straight down the throat of Vedran. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
75' Tavares booked for kicking the ball away. Unnecessary and the foul was pretty cheap too. Nix readying their second change. Krishna on for Burns. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
74' Faty does well to cut out a Nix chance but then lets himself (and Sydney fans) down with a poor pass that is easily intercepted. Cunningham on for Lia. Nix 1 2 Sydney
billyelliott
Roar Guru
72' Was about to say the Sydney look to enjoying a good period of possession but then (due to Nix pressure) a loose pass gifts the ball back to Italiano. Nix back on the ball, probing for openings. Movements on the Nix bench. Cunningham to come on. Nix 1 2 Sydney