Go Media Stadium, Auckland
Saturday, February 7th, 5pm
Written by Jonno Ross
After a tough run of results, eyes turn toward a somewhat difficult fixture for Auckland FC, as they come up against Sydney FC at Go Media Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The boys will look for the win before having a much-needed 10-day gap, but they can’t rest yet. This game has to be the turning point to get out of their current rut.
Auckland FC come into this week’s game on the back of an upsetting result against Perth last weekend.
Oli Sail finally gets the green light to start against his former team and make his AFC debut. Unfortunately, in the 67th minute, he goes down injured and gets stretchered off. Woud will be starting in this week’s fixture against Sydney FC.
Despite the goalkeeping scenario, the team find themselves in a bit of a rut. Just the one win this calendar year isn’t good enough for a side that won the Premier’s Plate last season. But fans need to understand – this is how football works sometimes, and the support needs to be there through thick and thin.
Although we aren’t picking up points of late, we’re in third place in the league. As the season is unfolding, it seems like any team in the league can beat anyone, and it’s reflected in the league table. Auckland FC currently just two points off first place. However, the gap between third and tenth place is just six points. It’s shaping up to be an extremely tight season. Auckland need to gain some consistency and go on a good run of results – if we can do this, then we can be the ones who will be successful come the end of the season.
Sydney FC bounced back from their 4-0 loss against Melbourne Victory with a statement 4-1 win against their rivals, Western Sydney Wanderers, last weekend. That result will give them a massive confidence boost heading into this weekend’s fixture. However, they’ve won just four of their away games this season, but will be no doubt searching for all three points at Go Media Stadium.
It’s a battle between two teams who are level on points, only separated by goal difference. Both teams can’t get the win; this is a massive game.
Last time Sydney FC played us at home, it was absolute scenes. Brimmer whipped a free kick into the box, and after a scramble for the ball by both sets of teams, Nando Pijnaker got his back heel on the ball, which somehow found its way over the line. Jubilation for the fans, and limbs flying all over the place in the Port. A game nobody will forget. Will history repeat itself? We’ll have to wait and see.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
A piece of individual brilliance from Jesse Randall last weekend opened the scoring last week against Perth. A masterclass from him and a superb finish. Let’s hope his form continues, and we can see some magic from him again.
Tiago Quintal stole the show with his brace in the Sydney derby last weekend. The 19 year old opened his account in style, and will look to add to his goal tally. Even though he only scored his first goals in 12 matches, he’ll look to kick on and wreak havoc for the opposition teams.
