Sky Blues seeking revenge on A-League leaders
Clinging on to sixth spot on the A-League ladder, the Sky Blues are intent on not only increasing their chances of playing finals football, but also exacting revenge on the Black Knights, who beat them 1-0 with a controversial stoppage-time goal from Nando Pijnaker when the teams met in Auckland in October.
English winger Lolley has some personal unfinished business to take care of after lasting only 35 minutes in the narrow defeat before being forced off with injury.
Saturday will be the first 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 time we face Auckland at home in Sydney.Grab your tickets to Saturday's historic game & doubleheader 📷 https://t.co/gJ4ozMjheR#WeAreSydney#SydneyIsSkyBluepic.twitter.com/uz2UqvfljH
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) April 10, 2025
'I didn't really get much of a go against them,' Lolley said.
'They've been great this season, and they are where they are because that's where they deserve to be.
'They're very difficult to beat and score against, and provide a good threat. It'll be a difficult game, but it's something that we need to do in breaking teams down in a lower (defensive) block.
'Also, they're strong on the counter-attack, so again that's another challenge for us in making sure we're better in that department.
'It's always good to play the team at the top of the table, and if you get a good result, it definitely brings confidence.'
Which is what the Sky Blues need after losing 2-0 to Lion City Sailors in their AFC Champions League Two semi-final, first-leg clash in Singapore on Wednesday night.
'We've got to make sure we go out with the right mentality (against Auckland). We know how big of a game it is for us,' Lolley said.
The Black Knights, who are coached by former Sydney FC championship-winning mentor Steve Corica, are unbeaten in their past 11 matches as they edge closer to claiming the Premier's Plate in their first season in the competition.
A big one in Sydney this Saturday. ✈️ pic.twitter.com/m4hpwdAbBM
— Auckland FC (@fc_auckland) April 8, 2025
'For us, it's about fighting for silverware,' Corica said.
'We're fighting for something special that no-one's ever done in New Zealand. I'm aware of what's going on below us (on the ladder), but the job's in our hands.
'It's up to us to perform when the pressure's on.'
Corica expected Sydney to provide his side with a tough test.
'They are a very good attacking team, so we'll have to make sure defensively we're strong, and that we take our chances when they come,' he said.
'It's about us, what we want to achieve, and how we want to play with and without the ball. We're looking forward to the challenge.'
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