Scoring one of the most memorable goals of the season might not be enough to earn Siem de Jong a start against Melbourne Victory on Saturday, with Sydney FC's marquee man likely to be used as a substitute.
The Dutch international marked his comeback from injury in style last week, coming off the bench to score a brilliant goal in Sydney's 3-1 over Brisbane Roar last Friday having set one up minutes earlier.
Comeback: Siem de Jong's strike against Brisbane was just a taste of what is to come from the marquee.Credit:AAP
It was a reminder of the ability that made him the Sky Blues' key signing for the season, but still might not be enough to elevate him into the first eleven for Saturday's Big Blue at the SCG.
It's understood Sydney FC coach Steve Corica is set to stick with the same line-up that beat the Roar last weekend, with de Jong to remain on the bench as he continues to regain full fitness having been out for two months with a knee injury sustained in January.
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While Corica will delay making his final decision on his team until Friday evening, it appears he will resist making many changes to his starting team. It means veteran forward Alex Brosque is the frontrunner to partner Adam Le Fondre in attack, while Anthony Caceres could start alongside Milos Ninkovic in the attacking midfield roles.
Despite becoming available for selection once more following his collapsed transfer to Pohang Steelers, defensive midfielder Josh Brillante is in a tight race with Paulo Retre to claim one of the starting midfield spots alongside regular Brandon O'Neill.
Those vying for places will have one last chance to state their case for a starting berth in the Big Blue during Friday's training session at the SCG. Should Corica not tinker with his team as expected, it will leave him with a wealth of experience and talent on his bench to use against Victory. Last week, he had three full internationals among his substitutes; de Jong, Brillante and Iranian striker Reza Ghoochannejhad as well as Australian youth international Danny De Silva.
Saturday's match at the SCG marks the start of a run four games in two weeks that will define Sydney FC's season. The Sky Blues can take a giant stride towards sealing a top two finish with a win over Victory and are itching to claim a result against their oldest rivals having lost their two previous games against Melbourne this season. They then face Shanghai SIPG at home in the Asian Champions League on Wednesday before playing Western Sydney Wanderers in the derby the following Saturday then face league leaders Perth Glory the next ThursdRead More – Source
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