semi_sydneyThe second semi-final sees two old foes go head to head once again in the fiercest rivalry in the Westfield W-League as defending champions Brisbane Roar host Sydney FC at QSAC. The Season Four battles between these two frenemies have continued to be line-ball encounters and Sunday promises to be no different.

For Alen Stajcic's Sydney, at times during the season it has been a case of "Will the real Sydney, please stand up?"  The Sky Blues have put in some sensational performances including an 11 - 0 mauling of Perth Glory.  However, they have also had shock falls to lower ranked sides like the Newcastle Jets.  It's something Stajcic is well aware of but believes the Sky Blues will bring their A game.

"It's up to all of us to be consistent on the day.  Most of the team has played high level international sport  and most have played high level football for a while now."

"It's going to come down to who best prepares themselves on the day as an individual and as a collective group.  They are the questions that all of us as individuals have to answer."

Structurally Sydney have an abundance of options and a variety of formations available to them according to whom Stajcic plays. Does he go ultra attacking with a 4-3-3 with the potent strike force of Kyah Simon, Leena Khamis and Sarah Walsh or variations of the 4-4-2 to even up the crucial midfield battle with Brisbane? That is the Sydney strength and at times their weakness, the various options available at hand.

In terms of personnel, Sydney will go into the match possessing 10 current or former internationals so big game nerves shouldn’t be an issue.

"I think we are fairly strong across the park and we will go into it [the game] with a lot of confidence knowing that we can dominate the game."

"Obviously Kyah Simon is one our best players and one of our most dangerous players.  I am hoping she is about due to start hitting her straps.

"We saw signs of it last week and hopefully she will be back to the form that she showed prior to her injury."

And in relation to playing Brisbane away from home, that doesn’t seem to faze the Sky Blues who again in Season Four have a better away record.

"It's been like that every year of the W-League.  We have tended to be better away."

"We probably prepare better when we are away.  We are as a group together a lot more and there is a lot more focus on the game."

"Naturally from just being away together it allows a little more team bonding and a little more team cohesion.

When it comes to Brisbane, Sydney have no fear of the two time W-League champions and while respectful, Stajcic believes they are a known and beatable entity.

"We feel good.  We have been in that situation before.  We have been in the semi-finals every single year so it's no different to every other year."

"Every time you play some-one you always get a little bit of information but they are good side so there are no real surprises about how they play."

Key Players

Kyah SimonA foot injury saw Kyah Simon have a very delayed start to the W-League season. Now having played four games, and providing glimpses of her best, this might be the time for the dynamic forward to hit her straps.
Renee RollasonShe is not one of the bigger known names but the role this former international plays is crucial.   This year she has found herself forward on several occasions acting as a good target woman or providing crucial goals. Her partnership with Kyle Ledbrook will be one of the keys.
Servet UzunlarFull back Servet Uzunlar has stepped it up in the last third of the year. Since moving to the position, the attacking minded defender has become the launching pad for Sydney attacks. Getting Uzunlar free and forward will be a key for Sydney while the Brisbane forwards will be looking to make her accountable.

Brisbane Roar v Sydney FC

Sunday 22 January

Queensland Sport and Athletic Centre, Brisbane

Referees: Casey Reibelt / Christie Robb / Renae Coghill / Rebecca Durcau

Local kick-off: 2pm (3pm AEDT)

Tickets available at the game: Adults $5, concession $2, Kids under 13 go in free

Watch the live stream: http://www.abc.net.au/news/sport/programs/w-league/

Sydney FC squad: 1. Allison Lipsher (Gk), 15. Thea Slatyer, 3. Danielle Brogan, 5. Estelle Johnson, 6. Servet Uzunlar, 4. Renee Rollason, 10. Kylie Ledbrook, 2. Teresa Polias, 9. Sarah Walsh, 12. Teigen Allen, 8. Caitlin Foord, 13. Brittany Whitfield, 19. Leena Khamis, 16. Alisha Bass, 14. Rachael Soutar, 17. Kyah Simon, 21. Chloe Logarzo, 30. Sham Khamis (Gk)

*three to be omitted*

Head to Head:  Sydney: 2 wins, 5 losses, 2 Draws

Last Meeting:  Week 12, 14 January 2012:  Brisbane Roar 1 (OG) – Sydney FC 0