TeleChoice Championship Series Round 1 Preview
This weekend, Manly United and Sydney United face elimination as the two sides do battle in a ?life and death? encounter at Cromer Park on Friday evening.
Both sides have experienced an indifferent run home into the finals series following a very impressive first part of the season, and any mistake can bring their season to an end on the night.
Manly United boss Phil Moss is still hoping to see the best of Robbie Cattanach who has had a lean time in-front of goal in recent weeks. The normally reliable goalscorer has gone without a goal since his strike against West Sydney Berries in mid June.
Craig Midgley?s presence alongside Cattanach will be telling, as the pairing caused many difficulties for opposing defences. At the back, Phil Moss has made adjustments with the release of Beau Busch to the Newcastle Jets in the A-League. Roberto Hamad and Pascal Julliard will be called upon to keep a steady rear-guard in-front of goalkeeper Brad Swancott.
Sydney United enter the encounter with a ?bone to pick? following the penultimate Round loss to Manly United three-weeks ago. The Reds on that evening battled gallantly with eight-men against Manly, though succumbed 1-0 after conceding a late penalty.
The Reds already stared elimination in the face against Sydney Olympic last weekend when stand-out performer, goalkeeper Vedran Janjetovic, produced a series of saves to keep his side in the clash ? none more important than the point-blank header from Anthony Hartshorn.
Ivan Petkovic will have the luxury of fielding both Damon Collina and Josip Moric following their one-match suspension, meanwhile Mark Robertson?s fitness battle should be won by the talented midfielder as he will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.
Big name absentees for the Reds include midfielder Todd Brodie who still has a two-match suspension to serve, meanwhile the exceptional talent of Petar Markovic will be missing for the remainder of the season with a spinal injury.
The loser of the Manly United v Sydney United encounter will pack their bags and take a long break in anticipation of next season, meanwhile the winner will meet the loser of Wollongong FC?s battle with Sydney Olympic.
John Turner?s men will have the advantage of playing the match in Wollongong ? at the WIN Stadium ? meanwhile the list of suspensions and absentees for Milan Blagojevic?s Sydney Olympic stand the Wolves in good stead.
Turner will be without Dez Giraldi (released to Sydney FC in the A-League), Michael West (after a serious spleen injury suffered in the Wolves 1-1 draw against the Sharks in Round 22) and Osagie Ederaro out with a long-term injury.
Once more, the weight of expectation in attack will be carried by Ilija Prenzoski who has enjoyed a tremendous campaign for the Wollongong side.
Ballamadou Conde?s influence out of midfield with captain courageous Ben Blake?s leadership qualities have the Wolves in a good position to have a shot at Sutherland Sharks one-week later.
Sydney Olympic?s preparations were dealt a blow as the Blues lost the Tiger Turf Cup Final against Bankstown City Lions last weekend. In a heavy defeat, not only in-terms of result, Sydney Olympic will have suspensions to key figures for the clash with Wollongong.
Both Roger Galayini (suspended for four weeks) and Anthony Hartshorn (suspended for two weeks) will be out of the clash, meanwhile the inspirational Shannon Cole played his last match against the Lions before joining Sydney FC.
There’s also the loss of club captain Peter Zorbas who underwent a knee operation last week which has sidelined the Blues star for at least six months.
Milan Blagojevic will have his work cut out to lift the morale of his players, though the return of Emmanuel Zunino should add some strength to the left-side of defence, the avenue cleverly exploited by Bankstown City on three occasions ? producing three goals – in the Cup Final.
Matthew Mayora will return to lead the front-line with his physical presence, and Jordanian International Siraj Al-Tall may be called upon to use his height and experience in attack.
TeleChoice Championship Series
Friday 15th August 2008
Wollongong FC v Sydney Olympic ? WIN Stadium ? 7.30pm
Manly United v Sydney United ? Cromer Park ? 7.45pm
-By Joseph Carlucci
