Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Sydney: With their AFC Champions League destiny in their hands, Western Sydney Wanderers coach Tony Popovic has challenged the A-League debutants to claim victory over China’s Guizhou Renhe on Tuesday to guarantee a place in the last 16.
A-League play-off semi-finalists Western Sydney are currently two points clear at the top of Group H alongside Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale heading into this week’s final round of fixtures following last week’s 2-0 win over Ulsan Hyundai in Korea Republic.
And Western Sydney, who welcome back midfielder Iacopo La Rocca and defender Dean Heffernan from suspension, know a fourth win of the campaign against already eliminated Guizhou will secure qualification for May’s Round of 16.
“You want to be at the business end of the season in the domestic competition and we want to be in the situation where we can get through to the Round of 16 in the ACL and it’s in our control. With one game to go we know that if we do the business tomorrow night we go through,” said Popovic, who will also see his side face Central Coast Mariners in the domestic play-offs on Saturday.
“We have had a busy schedule. We had a big game against Melbourne Heart and then went to Korea and had to fly back. Having a few days to recharge the batteries and then go again in this competition has helped.
“Everyone is fit and available, which is a good headache for a coach to have. Seeing everyone train is great and we are looking forward to a big game tomorrow in front of our fans.”
Last week’s 1-0 home defeat by Kawasaki ended the AFC Champions League campaign of Chinese FA Cup winners Guizhou.
And coach Gong Lei must do without captain Sun Jihai, playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic and Zhang Chenglin for the trip to Parramatta Stadium.
“We are feeling very good and the weather is great. We have had a compact schedule so we are resting a few players. We are confident in our young players and we have brought 15 players, mostly young players, with little experience of professional football,” said Guizhou coach Gong.
“But we are confident that they have the quality, and this is an opportunity for them to play in the ACL, and that’s good for us. We will pay attention to tomorrow’s game, the last game in the group, and play with energy and try our best.”