Sydney FC and Melbourne City do battle in a top of the table A-League clash that could serve as a grand final preview. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:50pm (AEDT).
Two of the best teams in the competition clash barely a week after City defeated Sydney en route to securing the FFA Cup.
In a dour contest, City did enough to secure a narrow 1-0 win courtesy of Tim Cahill’s winner.
Cahill should once again be expected to start against Sydney after coming on for a late cameo in last week’s 1-1 draw against Brisbane.
Despite the defeat in the FFA Cup final, Sydney remains in a commanding position on the A-League ladder, and a win tonight could see them extend their lead to nine points on top of the table.
Sydney are well served on the attacking front, with George Blackwood, David Carney, Bernie Ibini, Bobo and Milos Ninkovic all in strong form. They should ask plenty of questions of a City defence that was very suspect at times against the Roar.
Brisbane could have easily scored three goals last week against Melbourne after Jamie McClaren made the most of a shocking attempted clearance from Manny Muscat to slot home the opener.
City can ill-afford such defensive lapses against Sydney, even if they can rely on the brilliance of Bruno Fornaroli or Cahill for goals.
Attacking stars Nicolas Colazo, Fernando Brandan and Bruce Kamau also add plenty of class to a City attack that should provide Sydney with their sternest test of the A-League campaign.
Prediction
City have been inconsistent away from home, with defeat to Brisbane and a draw against the Wanderers raising concerns about their ability to play their best outside of Melbourne.
Sydney, meanwhile, remain undefeated and confidence is high despite the defeat in the FFA Cup final. City should provide them with their sternest test – a test that should end in a score draw.
2-2 draw.
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Delivery into the area carries too far for Brosque to control. Sydney are going to secure a valuable point against a City team that had a numerical advantage, but were second best tonight. Brandan's fantastic solo goal was cancelled out by Bobo's contention penalty. City though were poor in possession at the back and only have themselves to blame for letting Sydney back in this contest. Its a better result for Sydney. City with a lot of improving to do. Sydney 1 City 1
Jack
Guest
Something has to done about the umpiring and Sydney crowds
Alan
Roar Guru
94' - City asking some questions in the second half late on but only because of the numerical advantage. CHANCE SYDNEY Brosque with a shot forces Bouzanis into a sharp save! Sydney now win the freekick. Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
92' - Cahill with a poor foul and he is booked. City yet to reach the heights of their round 2 effort against Victory. City once again so poor at the back with their passing. Sydney 1 City 1
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
Gee...the fact that football has just been confirmed as Australia's most popular sport really brings out the haters.
Alan
Roar Guru
90' - City enjoying some time in Sydney territory. Still poor in possession though. Colazo with a poor delivery. Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
88' - City now finally with some attacking possession. Poor second half from City. Gee Brattan with a poor ball. Sydney out of danger. Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
86' - Cahill is on for City. Sydney with the freekick. Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Simon on replay with a shoulder charge on Jakobsen. Both players exchanging xmas cards. Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
83' - Sydney with the freekick and with the momentum. Cahill about to come on. Bouzanis eventually secures possession for City and clears. Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Bobo has scored from the spot. Bouzanis dived the right way but to no avail. City only have themselves to blame for this. Poor defending tonight. City need to show some steel given that they are up a man. Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Harsh call against City but they have been asking for this with their poor defending, and in a way, they deserve this given how poor they have been in possession at the back.... GOAL SYDNEY Sydney 1 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - City still very poor at the back with possession. Goodness me. PENALTY SYDNEY Sydney 0 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Bobo is booked for his harsh tackle on Franjic. Sydney bring on O'Neill. Sydney 0 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
Bobo now could have easily been sent off for a poor challenge on Franjic. This is frustration from Sydney. Bobo's challenge similar to Aguero's challenge on David Luiz last week against Chelsea. Sydney 0 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
75' - Fascinating to see how Sydney chase the game with a man down. City have to play this smart. Big 20 minutes coming up for both teams. Sydney 0 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
RED CARD SYDNEY Brilliante is off for Sydney after tackling Kilkenny late! Big moment! Sydney 0 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
72' - Bouzanis with good hands yet again. Showing why he has earn't his starting spot as City's no. 1. City hardly attacking Sydney in the second half. Sydney 0 City 1
Alan
Roar Guru
70' - Retre already booked seconds after coming on for City. Just over 14,000 in tonight. Bobo with a nice turn. Sydney continue to press. Sydney 0 City 1