Sydney United 58 v Adelaide City

PlayStation 4 National Premier League National Elimination Final

When: Sunday 18th September

Kick-off 2.30 pm

Where: Sydney United Sports Centre

Form:

Sydney United 58: L W L

Qualifying Final: Sydney United 2 - 3 Blacktown City FC, Sydney United Sports Centre
Preliminary Final: Sydney United 3 - 2 Bonnyrigg White Eagles FC, Sydney United Sports Centre
Grand Final: Blacktown City FC 3 - 0 Sydney United, Leichhardt Oval

Adelaide City: W W L

1st Leg Major Final: Campbelltown 0 - 2 Adelaide City, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
2nd Leg Major Final: Adelaide City 2 - 1 Campbelltown, Adelaide City Park
Grand Final: Adelaide City 0 - 1 Campbelltown, Coopers Stadium. Hindmarsh

Preview

Mark Rudan’s Sydney United side, the inaugural 2013 winners of this National Championship, will play host to Adelaide City when the two meet in the PlayStation 4 NPL National Elimination Final  at Sydney United Sports Centre on Sunday.

Both teams come into the match having suffered Grand Final defeats in their previous outing.

Sydney went down to Blacktown City 3-0, while Adelaide City stumbled against Campbelltown City 1-0 after being the dominant side in the league all season. 

Adelaide City will front up without their elusive star winger Nicola Mileusnic who has moved to the A-League to suit up with Adelaide United.

On a positive note, Adelaide City may welcome back talented midfielder Nicholas Bucco from injury for the important clash.

Adelaide City will encounter a very accomplished Sydney side who boast talent across the park.

Former Central Coast Mariners defender Tomislav Uskok has been the standout central defender in the NSW PS4 NPL competition this season.

Uskok is a hard at it, old style defender, who also likes to drift forward for set pieces. His height around goal has caused angst with opposing defenders.

Sydney’s sharp shooter Christopher Payne has had a scintillating season in front of goal netting 22 goals.

His partner in crime, the stylish attacking midfielder Panagiotis Nikas has also been prolific in Sydney’s forward third bagging eighteen goals in the regular season.

Nikas’ silky passes have also contributed to numerous goal assists for his fellow forwards.

Adelaide City’s defence led by the inform Paul Blefari and Matthew Halliday will have to be at their best to keep the two dangerous strikers from hitting the scoreboard.

Rudan’s United won’t have it all their own way against the South Australian Minor Premier.

The Black and Whites boast their own game breakers in Mamadi Kamara, Jordan Pudler, Joel Allwright, and NPL SA Golden Boot winner Anthony Costa.

Damian Mori had his players playing some sparkling, entertaining attacking football this season.

City’s speed in transitioning the ball from defence into attack will cause Sydney some problems if they allow the Black and White’s midfield brigade to dictate proceedings in the middle of the park.

The game promises many highlights in front of goal with both sides boasting talented forward lines.

City’s “X” factor Kamara is the type of player that could swing the game in City’s favour if he can find space to be creative.

Sydney will have the slight advantage playing on their home pitch, but Mori’s men will be desperately looking for a win to show their supporters the Grand final loss was just an aberration.

And if City can bring that desperation and winning hunger that they displayed throughout the home and away season, Sydney may find themselves on the losing end when the final whistle blows to end the contest.

Written by: Joe Pangallo

Photo by: Andy Williams