Sydney FC expect fireworks in local grudge match

Sydney FC midfielder Ufuk Talay believes his side needs to match an expected early onslaught from Newcastle United if it is to extend its winning streak at Aussie Stadium to three matches on Sunday afternoon.

Newcastle United midfielder Richard Johnson signaled his side’s intentions earlier in the week when he said “Bring it on” when asked about the clash with Sydney FC.

Talay missed last week’s match through suspension but believes the early exchanges will be critical after Newcastle ran all over Sydney in the first round encounter.

The midfielder also predicted Sydney FC had an edge in quality once the game settles down.

“I am looking forward to playing Newcastle because they smashed us in the early stages last time,” Talay said.

“We know we are going to have to be tough early but we have spoken about it and we are ready.

“The early stages are always tough for us because everyone lifts but if we can match them physically early then we have the quality players to be able to win the game.”

Talay is expected to be welcomed back into the side as his bite in defence will come in handy in the early “softening up period” but coach Pierre Littbarski is faced with a few choices going into the match.

With striker Sasho Petrovski suspended due to yellow card trouble Littbarski will have to choose between David Zdrilic and John Buonavoglia as Dwight Yorke’s strike partner.

Talay’s availability also creates a dilemma as Matthew Bingley performed well in his absence last week, playing his part in the 2-0 win.

Adding extra thought into the selection meeting is the return to fitness of Australian U20 defender Mark Milligan, who has recovered from a double hernia operation. He was a regular starting player before undergoing surgery two months ago.

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MATCH DETAILS

Sydney FC vs Newcastle Jets
Aussie Stadium
Sunday October 30 - Kick Off: 5:00pm