March 05, 2015 09:13:42 UK
Derby-winning hero Terry Antonis will return to the starting side when Sydney FC travel to Newcastle Jets on Friday.
Antonis was left on the bench for last weekend’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers before being brought on after the Sky Blues had squandered a 3-0 lead.
To have someone like Terry Antonis to come into the starting line-up is great for us, he’s fantastic, we’re delighted that he’s here and he’s got a huge future.
Graham Arnold
Coach Graham Arnold sent him on quarter of an hour after Kerem Bulut’s second goal of the match had levelled the match at 3-3, and the midfielder struck a superb winner just five minutes after entering the action.
Sydney FC have both Alex Gersbach and Mickael Tavares suspended for the Hunter Stadium clash with the struggling Jets, who have managed just one win all season.
The Sky Blues are 1.72 to beat Newcastle, who are 4.50 with the draw 3.75.
Arnold said: “Terry will start obviously in midfield. To have someone like Terry Antonis to come into the starting line-up is great for us, he’s fantastic, we’re delighted that he’s here and he’s got a huge future.
“We have Tavares and Gersbach out suspended so we have to make a couple of changes but we need to go up there with the right mentality, it’s a tough game always when you play Newcastle away.”
Sydney FC are 6.00 to win the Grand Final.
Arnold feel the Jets have improved hugely in recent weeks, after making wholesale changes to their squad. Phil Stubbins’ side have drawn their last three games, including holding premiership-chasing Wellington Phoenix 2-2 away from home.
The Sky Blues coach also revealed he will shortly be opening talks with Golden Boot leader Marc Janko over a new contract.
The Austrian striker, who has netted 12 goals including a double in the derby victory, is out of contract at the end of the season.
Janko can match the A-League record for scoring in the most consecutive games – six – if he nets against Newcastle at Hunter Stadium.
“Marc has put out there that he’s very happy to stay at Sydney FC and we’ll obviously sit down with him very shortly and talk about that,” said Arnold.
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