3 minute read

Defender Michael Zullo is set to start for Sydney FC in Tuesday's crunch Asian Champions League game in South Korea after recovering from a hamstring issue.

Sydney FC will go into their must-win Asian Champions League game with a different looking defence and adamant they won't be distracted by next Sunday's A-League semi-final against Melbourne Victory.

Left back Michael Zullo will start in Tuesday's away clash with group leader Ulsan Hyundai after missing four matches with a hamstring injury.

Coach Steve Corica opted to leave his central defensive linchpin Alex Wilkinson back home because of a tight Achilles.

That means Jacob Tratt is likely to partner Aaron Calver in the centre of defence, though Corica said midfielder Brandon O'Neill could also play there.

Tratt has made just three A-league starts for Sydney and has yet to appear in the Champions League, but Corica said both he and fellow youngster Aaron Calver were playing well.

"I had them in my youth team here at Sydney and they played together at centre back a long time ago now, but they have got a good combination going there," Corica said.

Tratt was signed on a short-term injury contract last November but Corica wants him to stay on for next season.

Right back Rhyan Grant (hamstring) and striker and captain Alex Brosque (heel) didn't travel, but both are expected to be available for next weekend.

Sydney enter the penultimate round of Champions League group games last of the four teams, but just two points off second. Ulsan lead on eight points.

Wilkinson, Brosque and Grant apart, marquee Siem de Jong and fellow Dutchman Jop van der Linden have been left back in Australia.

Melbourne Victory left ten players back home including all five imports, for their Champions League clash in South Korea with with Daegu FC on Wednesday.

"I wouldn't say (that's) an advantage (for them over us) but we play to stay in the Champions League," said Corica, who pointed out Victory had no realistic chance of advancing beyond their group.

Corica was adamant his players focus on Tuesday's game wasn't being diluted by thoughts of next Sunday's match.

"The boys that are here, I've already spoken to them about one game at a time, obviously only focus on this game," Corica said.

"We need to win this game first and foremost and then we take the semi-final after that."

Sydney dominated their home game against Ulsan but were held to a goalless draw by a side that was happy to sit back.

He doubted whether they would be much more attack-minded at home.

Corica noted Ulsan lost their latest domestic game after conceding a couple of goals from counter attacks and felt Sydney could exploit that as well.