They’re juggling AFC Champions League commitments whilst desperately trying to make it into the top six to qualify for domestic Finals. But the Sky Blues have already shown how competitive they can be for the Reds, these three men in particular.
Filip Holosko
In the two domestic matches between the Reds and Sydney this season, Filip Holosko has been on the score sheet on both occasions. The Slovakian international has also been the most influential of Graham Arnold’s men against United, his experience going forward pivotal to the majority of their attacks. Holosko managed to score twice last week against Brisbane Roar, and had seemingly rescued a point for the struggling Sky Blues, but a lapse in defensive concentration spoiled it all. He and his teammates will be looking to bounce-back against Adelaide, but Holosko will be the main threat.
Round 25:
Goals: 2
Total Shots: 6
Shot Assists: 1
Passing Accuracy: 81.8%
Matt Simon
Matt Simon popped up with a goal against United in Round 18 and was a pest throughout the match. Battling closely with Dylan McGowan and Iacopo La Rocca throughout the 85 minutes he was on the park, Simon is always dangerous in the air and his ability to hold the ball works well for Sydney. He links up instinctively with the men around him and is always the man Sky Blues’ wingers look for – nodding home a cross from Holosko against the Reds in Roung 18 after making a darting run behind McGowan. Simon will again look to get on the nerves of the Adelaide defence and can cause problems if he’s allowed space in the box.
Round 25:
Total Shots: 1
Shot Assists: 4
Total Crosses: 2
Passing Accuracy: 84%
Vedran Janjetovic
The Sydney FC shot-stopper has been in relatively consistent form this season, especially considering the Sky Blues’ hectic schedule in the second half of the season in particular. Managing to keep seven clean sheets this domestic season, Janjetovic has made some important saves and has done well against the Reds. Surely disappointed with the manner in which his side lost all three points to Brisbane Roar last week, Janjetovic will undoubtedly be called into action numerous times against United on Saturday and will need to be on the top of his game to prevent the Reds from scoring numerous times.
Round 25:
Total Saves: 2
Shots Faced: 10
Goals Conceded: 3
Passing Accuracy: 59.1%
Adelaide United will face Sydney FC in Round 26 of the Hyundai A-League 2015/16 season on Saturday, 2 April at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT.
