Time is starting to run out for Sydney to recover from their championship hangover, at least if they hope to keep pace with the A-League front runners. A loss at home to an in-form Adelaide on Saturday night won’t quite be panic stations for the sky blues, but it won’t be far off. The reds, who finished last season dead last, go into the game as joint ladder leaders on eight points with Perth, whilst last season’s premiers are in equal last place on just two points.
Yesterday Sydney announced the signing of Brazilian striker Bruno Cazarine as a much-needed back-up to dynamic duo Mark Bridge and Alex Brosque, who have both already succumbed to injury this season. Bridge made his return from a hamstring injury last week and Brosque is expected to return from his ankle injury against Adelaide, so Cazarine – who has played for no less than 12 clubs in various leagues in his eight-year professional career – is unlikely to play much of a part on the weekend.
The reds have been impressive in their consecutive wins against Melbourne Heart and North Queensland Fury and will be confident of getting one over their struggling rivals. Sydney will have to keep close tabs on United pairing Marcos Flores and Matthew Leckie, who have both been in sizzling form of late, if they hope to come out on top.
Sydney might be favourites to win this one at home, but Adelaide are great value at 1.75 with the +0.5 handicap.