Culina acknowledged that Persik's recent form makes them less of a threat than Sydney's other Group E oppposition (Japan's Urawa Reds and China's Shanghai Shenua) but points out that unlike Sydney the Indonesian side are match-fit.

"There's not a great deal we can actually do because it's not fitness itself we need, it's match fitness and getting games," said the Sydney coach.

"There's a big disadvantage being in the situation we are in not having opposition every week, which our [Champions League] opponents do."

"If we are to progress past the group stage, then this is a game we have to get ourselves up for and win. I've got a good feeling about our campaign, provided we get the result we need here."

Persik may be languishing in seventh position in the western division of Indonesia's top flight but its attack is the most productive in the country and its star striker, Christian Gonzalez, tops the national scoring chart.

The Uruguayan striker bagged a brace in Persik's 2-2 home draw versus Pelita Jaya on Thursday to make it 10 goals this term. Unsurprisingly, Culina has singled out Gonzalez as Persik's man to watch.

Sixteen Sydney FC players traveled to Solo City, with Robbie Middleby, Mark Milligan and Jacob Timpano left behind.

Ruben Zadkovich is tipped to deputise for Middleby at right back, while Terry McFlynn and Noel Spencer are competing for the central midfield berth vacant because of Milligan's suspension.

Iain Fyfe and Nikolai Topor-Stanley may swap places after they trialled at left back and centre back respectively.

Sydney FC squad: Clint Bolton, Iain Fyfe, Nikolas Tsattalios, Mark Rudan, Noel Spencer, Ufuk Talay, Ruben Zadkovich, David Zdrilic, Steve Corica, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, David Carney, Alex Brosque, Terry McFlynn, Adam Casey, Luka Glavas, Dean Bouzanis.