FRANK Farina will be asking his team for more of the same against Sydney tomorrow following the win over Melbourne last week.
Luke DeVere and Tahj Minniecon (Australian Under-20s) are likely to be replaced by debutant Matt Mundy and the returning Robbie Kruse, in an otherwise unchanged line-up from the team that beat Melbourne Victory 2-0 on Sunday.
“To pick up three points against Melbourne was a huge bonus,” Farina said. “I think it breeds confidence so to go down to Sydney, we’re going to go down there to get the three points or at least grab something.
“We’re confident that if we continue to play in the manner we’ve been playing we’ve got every chance of getting a result.”
The former Socceroos coach was wary of a Sydney side still stinging from the loss in Wellington last weekend.
“It could be worse – they could be coming off a win as well and full of confidence," he said. "The loss in Wellington I think will have them prepared and fired up for what they want which is a home win.”
Farina said he was confident 21-year-old Mundy could handle the step up from the National Youth League.
“It’s a concern that we have to keep chopping and changing but I’m confident that the personnel we’ve got can step in,” he said.
“He’s naturally a confident kid. I don’t think the occasion will get to him.
“I think he’s a good defender, he’s been playing with Rochedale in the (Brisbane) Premier League so he’s fit and he’s keen. All those ingredients will point to a good debut for him.
“It’s a big match for him so I’d imagine that Sydney would be looking at trying to force him into errors but I’m sure he can handle it.”
The centre back said he was expecting to be targeted by Sydney.
“I’m trying not to think about it too much until we get a bit closer to the game,” Mundy said.
“But I would probably say experienced strikers, if they know that I’m inexperienced I’d say they probably would try and target me. But Craig Moore’s next to me so nothing to worry about I suppose,” he joked.
The QUT accounting student said while the National Youth League was a bit sharper, his experience in the Brisbane Premier League would prepare him for the more physical side of the A-League.
“To pick up three points against Melbourne was a huge bonus,” Farina said. “I think it breeds confidence so to go down to Sydney, we’re going to go down there to get the three points or at least grab something.
“We’re confident that if we continue to play in the manner we’ve been playing we’ve got every chance of getting a result.”
The former Socceroos coach was wary of a Sydney side still stinging from the loss in Wellington last weekend.
“It could be worse – they could be coming off a win as well and full of confidence," he said. "The loss in Wellington I think will have them prepared and fired up for what they want which is a home win.”
Farina said he was confident 21-year-old Mundy could handle the step up from the National Youth League.
“It’s a concern that we have to keep chopping and changing but I’m confident that the personnel we’ve got can step in,” he said.
“He’s naturally a confident kid. I don’t think the occasion will get to him.
“I think he’s a good defender, he’s been playing with Rochedale in the (Brisbane) Premier League so he’s fit and he’s keen. All those ingredients will point to a good debut for him.
“It’s a big match for him so I’d imagine that Sydney would be looking at trying to force him into errors but I’m sure he can handle it.”
The centre back said he was expecting to be targeted by Sydney.
“I’m trying not to think about it too much until we get a bit closer to the game,” Mundy said.
“But I would probably say experienced strikers, if they know that I’m inexperienced I’d say they probably would try and target me. But Craig Moore’s next to me so nothing to worry about I suppose,” he joked.
The QUT accounting student said while the National Youth League was a bit sharper, his experience in the Brisbane Premier League would prepare him for the more physical side of the A-League.
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