SYDNEY FC striker Mark Bridge says his side must nullify danger man Shane Smeltz if they are to return to the winner's circle against the Wellington Phoenix on Sunday night.
Smeltz has set the Hyundai A-League alight this season netting 12 goals to lead all comers in the race for the Golden Boot award.
Bridge said: "I think if you close down Smeltz that's pretty much them gone.
"I mean he's a great talent and I'd love to have him on this team."
Phoenix have dominated the Sydney siders in recent times having taken maximum points from both encounters this season.
Asked to account for his side's lack of success against Wellington, Bridge explained: "They're just a grinding team, similar to the Central Coast Mariners but not as technically as good as the Central Coast.
"They match you physically, they hit you twice as hard, it's just a matter of matching them on the field and being just as intense and having that little dirty player inside of you to match them with the tackles I guess."
Bridge said: "I think if you close down Smeltz that's pretty much them gone.
"I mean he's a great talent and I'd love to have him on this team."
Phoenix have dominated the Sydney siders in recent times having taken maximum points from both encounters this season.
Asked to account for his side's lack of success against Wellington, Bridge explained: "They're just a grinding team, similar to the Central Coast Mariners but not as technically as good as the Central Coast.
"They match you physically, they hit you twice as hard, it's just a matter of matching them on the field and being just as intense and having that little dirty player inside of you to match them with the tackles I guess."
Related Articles
Fresh talent flock to ambitious A-League outfit's pro pathway
Why A-League 20/21 is crucial for Olyroos’ medal hopes
