Corica insists Sydney have the edge over Glory in Perth
Steve Corica believes Sydney FC’s strong form in Western Australia gives them an edge going into the Round 7 clash against Perth Glory.
The Hyundai A-League Champions have come out on top seven times in their last nine visits out west, the most recent being the penalty shootout triumph in the 2019 Grand Final.
In 23 games between the teams played on Glory’s turf, the home side has won only five, with the Sky Blues taking 11 wins and outscoring Perth 37 to 23.
The stats do not lie and Sydney’s hot run of results is no coincidence, according to Corica.
When asked if that record gives his team the edge, the 46-year-old replied: “I think it does.
“I think 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.
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He added: “I think some teams you like playing against and, for us, over there, I think it’s become one of those things.
“We’ve had great results over there in the last three, four, five years and the boys believe they can go over there and win.
“Obviously they are a good side. I think that’s why we play well over there because everyone is focused.”
Tony Popovic’s team have suffered a stuttering start to their first ever Hyundai A-League Premiership defence, winning only one of their first five matches.
That form is in stark contrast to Sydney FC’s recent run. The 2-1 Big Blue win against Melbourne Victory last weekend was the Champions’ fourth triumph from five games.
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Corica believes Glory have been playing well without getting results but he is full of confidence that his full-strength side will rise to the occasion on Saturday.
“Nobody is missing,” Corica said.
“Everyone is fighting fit and fighting for starts, really.
“It was a great victory last week and we’re looking forward to another massive challenge against Perth.”
Sydney FC face Perth Glory at HBF Park on Saturday, 23 November. Kick-off is at 6.45pm local, 9.45pm AEDT.
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