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Sydney FC seek more A-League joy in Perth

3 minute read

Sydney FC are intent on continuing their remarkable run against Perth when the teams meet in an A-League grand final rematch on Saturday.

STEVE CORICA .
STEVE CORICA . Picture: Don Arnold/Getty Images

Sydney FC coach Steve Corica believes his club's extraordinary recent record against Perth gives them an edge going into Saturday's A-League grand final rematch at HBF Stadium.

The Sky Blues have lost just nine of 44 A-League clashes with Perth.

Glory have won only one of their past nine home games against Sydney over the past six years and have lost 11 of their last 12 to the Sky Blues.

"Some teams you like playing against and for us I think over there, it's become one of them," Corica said at Sydney Airport on Friday prior to the team's departure.

"We've had great results over there the last three, four, five years and the boys believe they can go there and win.

"Obviously they are a good side and that's why I think we play well over there, because everyone is focused.

"It's a good thing going into the game knowing that you've won so many games over there and only lost one or two, but each game is different, you have to go in with the right attitude."

Sydney enter the round in second spot, four places and six points above Glory, who have won just once in five fixtures.

"They probably haven't got the results they wanted but I think they are really playing some good football," Corica said of Perth.

"But a wounded team is a dangerous team.

"They are a good team going forward so we definitely need to make sure we're defensively strong."

Corica hasn't watched a full replay of last season's grand final and doubts he will.

"The penalty shootout was the exciting bit, so I watched that," Corica said.

Left back Michael Zullo is pushing for a recall to the starting side after playing 14 minutes off the bench last week in his first match of the season following a foot injury.

"'I thought he did very well when he came on against Melbourne and we'll see how it goes, but he's getting very close," Corica said.

Glory are coming off a bye, which Sydney did last week when they became the third successive club to win after a week off.

"I think we were a little bit slow out of the blocks after that bye, so we'll have to wait and see how they go in the first half," Corica said.

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