All on the line ... so much is at stake when Sydney FC visit Parramatta Stadium on Saturday. Source: Stephen Cooper / News Limited
When the A-League fixtures came out, who would've picked this storyline for the final Sydney derby? Sydney FC looking to salvage a disastrous season by stopping Western Sydney from sealing the story of the season?
I've been lucky enough to call a few Wanderers games and the thing that’s stood out is they’re very well coached, very well structured and very well organised.
There’s a great contrast between the two sides this weekend. While Sydney boast plenty of brilliant individuals, like Alessandro Del Piero, the Wanderers have Dino Kressinger as their man up front. But how about this: Western Sydney now lead the league in shots (15.8) and shots on target (5.6) per game. The thing I've been impressed about with the Wanderers is how effective they've been.
They don't dominate possession. Their whole philosophy is based on a defensive structure. They play direct but they play to their strengths, and they've stayed true to themselves. They don't obsess about playing out from the back, they win second balls, they pressure their opponents and they try play in the other side's half.
But this might just be Sydney’s chance. No Jerome Polenz, Aaron Mooy or Youssouf Hersi. Let’s not overcomplicate things here, either. If Alessandro Del Piero’s good, Sydney will win the game - if Frank Farina can get the defensive structure right behind him.
It’s a pretty simple equation with Sydney. At the back-end of the pitch, Farina's side will be boosted by the inclusion of Lucas Neill. I know there's been plenty of debate about whether he should come back into a successful team after his injury, but as well as Adam Griffiths and Tiago Calvano have done, Neill has to come straight in. You don't sign the Australian captain to leave him on the bench. I'm a firm believer in when your best players are available, they play.
Sydney have a terrific chance to nail their A-League finals berth this weekend. They've ridden their luck with other results going their way, but with Brisbane coming up next weekend, the Sky Blues can make their life so much easier by continuing their perfect record at Parramatta. It’s great they're still in the race after the start they endured, but let's not beat around the bush - the season has been a disaster. When you sign Alessandro Del Piero you don't expect to be scratching around for the six come finals time.
There's still a chance to make something of their rollercoaster season, but whatever happens, the only way for them to build on the improvements Farina has made is to get plenty of new faces in there next year. Talking about new faces – Sydney could do well to take some advice from Wanderers coach Tony Popovic, whose recruitment was shrewd and well chosen.
Sure, they weren’t supposed to have an extra foreigner – and to my knowledge, weren’t even supposed to have a marquee – but he’s just chosen so well, especially with his overseas recruits. Everyone’s bought into his philosophy and so many are making the most of a second chance.
Popa will be convincing his men that this weekend is still a must-win. I don’t buy into the theory that it’s good to get a loss out of the way before the finals. If you’re winning, with momentum, just keep on winning!
That said, their three outs are a fairly important contingent, so this might just give Sydney a sniff. The Wanderers are the more effective unit, but it’s still all about Ale.
The derby stage is his.
Watch the Sydney derby, LIVE and in High Definition, at 7.30pm (EDT) on Fox Sports 1HD on Saturday.
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