Kosmina has drafted veteran fullback Brendan Renaud into the side at the expense of Olyroo Zadkovich with Kosmina preferring to have “lefties on the left hand side” for the crucial semi final clash.

It is the only change to the starting side that drew 2-2 with Melbourne Victory in front of a record crowd of 33,458 last Sunday with Kosmina also hinting Renaud’s experience helped him gain a starting place.

“Rexy (Renaud) is a natural left-footer and I prefer to have lefties on the left hand side,” Kosmina said. “He’s an experienced player who has played in the big games and he learned some lessons from the game against Queensland a few weeks ago.

“Last time he was part of a back four but we have gone back to playing three at the back and he will be better suited under that system.”

Kosmina also suggested Queensland would have their hands full with Brazilian World Cup star Juninho, after the diminutive midfielder played 80 minutes last weekend in his first starting appearance since chipping a bone in his leg in the LA Galaxy exhibition match.

Juninho forms a creative attacking duo with Steve Corica, who is in some of the best form of his three year stint in the Hyundai A-League.

“Joony (Juninho) is ready for a big game,” Kosmina said. “I thought he was good last weekend and the minutes he got under his belt will only help him for this weekend’s game.

“He created a lot of problems for Melbourne and with his confidence rising by the day he will be even better this week. I actually think he will have a big game and along with Bimbi (Corica) they give us a real creative influence.”

After completing the final training session ahead of the game, Sydney FC Captain Tony Popovic said the early-season troubles at the club had helped shape the steely resolve that he believes can help the team progress through the final series.

“We had some very tough times earlier this season and that has helped strengthen our mental attitude and belief,” Popovic said. “Through the tough times we stuck together as a playing group and that has allowed us to come out a much better and mentally stronger team.

“The next few weeks (semi final football) are all about mental strength and we know we have come through the tough times and nothing shakes us mentally.”

The Sydney FC squad is: 1.Clint Bolton (gk), 2. Iain Fyfe, 6. Tony Popovic (captain), 7. Robbie Middleby, 8. Ruben Zadkovich, 10. Steve Corica, 11. Brendon Santalab, 12. Patrick, 13. Ben Vidaic, 14. Alex Brosque, 15. Terry McFlynn, 16 Mark Milligan, 20. Ivan Necevski (gk), 21. Adam Biddle, 22. Juninho, 23. Ufuk Talay, 26. Brendan Renaud, 29. Mark Robertson. (two to be omitted).