Match Preview: Sydney FC (A)

Central Coast Mariners make the short trip to Sydney FC in Round 13 of the 2024/25 Isuzu UTE A-League.

Both teams come into the game off the back of wins, with the Mariners kicking off 2025 with a 3-1 win in Brisbane thanks to second half goals from Mikael Doka and 17-year-old debutant Arthur De Lima.

Sydney were last in action on Wednesday evening, running out comfortable 3-0 winners thanks to a first Isuzu UTE A-League hat-trick for Englishman Joe Lolley.

The visit to Allianz is the first of back-to-back trips to Sydney for Mark Jackson’s side, and the second of five away matches in a challenging January schedule.

⏮ Previously vs Sydney FC

A highlight of the Mariners’ season so far was an entertaining match against the Sky Blues on a rainy night at Our Paradise.

The game had it all with a red card and a fantastic second half brace from Alou Kuol as the Mariners took all three points.

Unbeaten in our last three against the Sky Blues including our semi-final success last season, Jacko’s team haven begun to turnaround our head to head record which is historically in Sydney FC’s favour, with 28 wins to our 17.

🔎 Sydney FC

After an up and down start to the season, Ufuk Talay’s team are now finding some consistency, unbeaten in their last four which is their season-best run.

The Sky Blues have especially found their form at home. Since facing the Mariners in Round Seven, Sydney have played three matches at Allianz, scoring three each time.

Although they lost 4-3 to comeback kings Western United, Sydney have since won 3-0 in consecutive home games against Melbourne Victory and Perth, with away draws against Adelaide (3-3) and Newcastle Jets (2-2) also coming since our Round Seven meeting.

Entertainment value is almost guaranteed when the Sky Blues are involved, with 44 goals in their 11 games so far. Only their rivals Western Sydney Wanderers have had more goals in their games this season (48).

Add in the spice of our long-standing rivalry and you get the recipe for a thrilling Saturday night football clash.

🔑 Key Battles

Sydney’s undeniable talent in attack, including the likes of Patryk Klimala and the league’s form man right now, Joe Lolley, mean the Mariners defence will have to be at their best.

32-year-old Lolley tops the Isuzu UTE A-League scoring charts with nine, after netting six in his last three games.

Allianz was a happy hunting ground for Brian Kaltak who found the back of the net on our last visit, as we defeated Newcastle Jets in Unite Round.

The Brick Wall of Gosford is having another strong season at the back for the Mariners, here’s how he compares statistically to Sydney’s star defender, Socceroo Hayden Matthews.

🗣 Harry Steele “It’s become a bit of a grudge match”

Another key area where the game may be won and lost at Allianz is in midfield. In Leo Sena, Anas Ouahim, Anthony Caceres and Corey Hollman among Talay’s options, it’s one of the Sky Blues strongest areas.

Crucial to the Mariners combating that in the middle of the park will be the 22-year-old, who was visibly buoyant after his goal last time out. He explained how the team are preparing for a tough clash and what his role looks like for a ‘grudge match’ on Saturday evening.

🗣 Mark Jackson “We know we can compete”

Jacko discussed the threats that Sydney FC pose but is confident that his side can compete, hinting at the possibility of some squad rotation.

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