A-League finals preview: Arnold’s selection dilemma
Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold reckons he’s more scared about disappointing some of his players in selection than than he is about Adelaide United.
Adelaide go into Saturday’s second A-League semi-final against Sydney at Allianz Stadium having already beaten the Sky Blues at their home venue three times this season.
Sydney lost five league games at home but were unbeaten on the road.
Arnold noted on Thursday that his “Sydney Mark II” team has collected more points than any other club since he altered the squad in the January transfer window, after losing four players to season-ending injuries.
He will have defender Seb Ryall, midfielder Terry Antonis and striker Marc Janko back available for selection this weekend.
“If I am scared of Adelaide, I’m more scared about the fact that I’ve got to select 11 out of 20 very good players and I’ve got to disappoint players,” Arnold said.
“Shane Smeltz came in for Janko in Wellington (in the final round) and did exceptionally well and Marc is back.
“Terry Antonis has come back and Mikkel (Tavares) and Milos (Dimitrijevic) there is pressure (on them) there as well.
“Seb Ryall is back in and Rhyan Grant did a great job against Wellington, so I’ve got some selection dilemmas.”
Arnold, who aspires to make Sydney, the Manchester United of Australian football, believes they have only completed 40 per cent of their journey.
He pointed to recent form as a reason for his confidence heading into Saturday’s’s cut-throat game.
Following the break for the Asian Cup, the Sky Blues have won ten and lost just two of their 13 games.
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They scored 37 goals in that time compared to just 15 in their first 14 games before the three-week hiatus in January.
“Sydney Mark 1 I built June-July last year, was decimated with the four injuries in December,” Arnold said.,
“Mark II was built in January. Since then our performances and our form have been outstanding and I don’t expect anything to change on Saturday night.
“We’ve got a lot of players with experience, a lot of players that have played on the top stage, the big stage before.
“They are excited, there is no nerves in our camp.”
Arnold was relaxed about a rugby league game being played at the venue the night before.
“I had a chat to (Sydney Roosters coach) Trent Robinson and said ‘mate, stay out of the middle for us and just play on the flanks,’ so he’s changed his game plan this week, so we should be fine,” Arnold quipped.
Arnold’s task may be slightly easier after Adelaide United striker Bruce Djite was ruled out of the game with a groin injury.
The Reds had expected the frontman, who missed the elimination win against Brisbane, to return for the away trip to Sydney.
But coach Josep Gombau has ruled Djite out after he failed to complete Friday’s match-eve training.
Meanwhile, Melbourne Victory boss Kevin Muscat says he welcomes the pressure to bear on his team in tomorrow night’s huge semi-final derby against Melbourne City.
City’s John van `t Schip says all the pressure is on premiers Melbourne Victory.
“We know what’s at stake tomorrow night and if that brings pressure, great,” said Muscat on Thursday.
“Bring more pressure on because we want to be involved in the big games.”
He believed the suggestion that Victory were the ones under the pump said more about City than his side.
“‘So and so has got more pressure than us’, all you’re doing is maybe (showing) a little bit of insecurity,” said Muscat.
“There’s one thing for sure, we certainly know what’s up for grabs.
“This is where we wanted to be, day one of pre-season.
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“I suppose you would feel under pressure if you hadn’t prepared well.
“I’m very, very comfortable with where we are at in terms of our preparation.”
City are surprise semi-finalists after their elimination final upset of Wellington but van `t Schip believes their return of form was due to increased stakes.
“In the week before Wellington … the message was clear,” he said,
“We have to follow the game plan, be focused and enjoy what it’s all about.”
“The boys are up to it, we’ve showed in the past several times that we can play good games against Victory.
“So just enjoy the game, go for it and give all you have.”
FRIDAY, May 8
Melbourne Victory v Melbourne City at Etihad Stadium 7.30pm
Head to head: Victory 6 City 5 drawn 4
Last clash: 7/2/15 Melbourne Victory 3 bt Melbourne City 0 at Etihad Stadium
Tab Sportsbet: Victory $1.43 City $2.70
A fixture which doesn’t need any hype, but will get plenty regardless. The first derby playoff match in the 10-year history of the A-League pitting the all-powerful Victory against City, who advanced to the second week of the finals with an upset road win over Wellington. City coach John van `t Schip can strengthen his lineup with Mate Dugandzic fit again and Kew Jaliens available after serving his suspension. Victory coach Kevin Muscat’s biggest problem might just be a surfeit of riches, with a full squad to pick from.
Key: The venue. Victory have the stronger squad and have enjoyed the benefit of a week off. But perhaps their clearest advantage is Etihad Stadium, a venue where they tend to play their very best football.
Tip: Melbourne Victory
SATURDAY, May 10
Sydney FC v Adelaide United at Allianz Stadium 7.30pm
Head to head: Sydney 11 Adelaide 15 Drawn 4
Last clash: 4/4/15 Adelaide United 1 bt Sydney FC 0 at Allianz Stadium
Tab Sportsbet: Sydney $1.57 Adelaide $2.30
Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold insists his Sky Blues are the form team of the competition, having pocketed 31 of a possible 39 points from their past 13 matches. Sydney also have the luxury of calling on fit-again Socceroos midfielder Terry Antonis, who hasn’t played since mid-March because of a knee complaint. The Reds have suffered a late blow with the withdrawal of striker Bruce Djite. Adelaide have had the wood over Sydney for the past couple of years, including a 1-0 win at the same venue last month most memorable for the heroics of keeper Eugene Galekovic.
Key: Marc Janko. In a match which could genuinely go either way, the Austrian marksman might just be the difference between the two teams.
Tip: Sydney FC
