Sydney aim to bolster A-League fortress
Oct 13, 2017 - 4:04 AM There's no place like home, particularly when you're an A-League powerhouse riding an 18-month undefeated streak at Allianz Stadium.Sydney FC's form during that stretch is impressive at every ground and they are one win away from adding the FFA Cup to last season's premiership and championship.
But the Sky Blues' record at "fortress Allianz" is particularly intimidating.
They have logged 14 wins and three draws (including post-season and pre-season games) at the venue. Their most recent defeat on its turf came on April 2, 2016.
"It needs to be an intimidating place," Sydney FC skipper Alex Brosque said ahead of Sunday's home match against Wellington.
"A really daunting place ... impossible for people to come and get any points.
"In the past it hasn't always been that way, so last year it was something we definitely focused on."
Coach Graham Arnold, who must manage a tricky turnaround following Wednesday's Cup semi-final victory over South Melbourne, has already reinforced the point.
"He has got it written on the board, 'fortress Allianz', every time we come here," Brosque said.
"It's very important ... when the fans come here they know we're going to win."
Star signing Adrian Mierzejewski, who skipped this week's clash with South Melbourne, is set to return against the Phoenix. The Polish winger is unlikely to be the only change to the starting line-up.
"The depth we have means we can bring in new players and it doesn't make a difference to how we play," Brosque said.
"It (the turnaround) won't be hard. We've done a lot of work in pre-season for this very moment, we knew we'd be at this stage. Everyone's fit."
Sunday's game will pit Ali Abbas, formerly a cult hero at Sydney FC, against his former side for the first time.
"It was strange seeing him play for Wellington," Brosque said.
Meanwhile, Brosque has become the first Australian player to sign up with Common Goal - a global charity initiative that involves footballers around the world donating at least one per cent of their salaries.
Source: AAP
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