As the AFL regular season comes to a close, the first match of the playoffs is on the horizon, with FC Sydney set to battle FC MacArthur on their own pitch.
Although FC Sydney had beaten Perth 7-1 at home, the team's performance has been up and down and consistency has been the key to their ability to go far in the playoffs.
I'm wary of FC Sydney winning the title, but Zuruli the player is clearly the key to the team's promotion. He hit two solo goals against Perth and has contributed 18 goals this season.
The addition of England wingers Fabio Gomez and Robert Mark has created a strong attacking pairing for Sydney. They tied with Adelaide United for the goal-scoring lead in the regular season, with firepower at the attacking end being their biggest strength.
FC MacArthur, on the other hand, managed to advance to the playoffs at the end of the regular season last season, and they are deserving of a spot in the postseason after a goal-oriented and accomplished season.
The Usko-led defense needs to be more disciplined. They lost 0-3 against the Wellington Phoenix, but narrowly won 1-0 against FC Sydney before that. Jaizuru scored the winning goal in the game, and the youngster has been a sight to behold, with his ability to cut into the side and drive with both his right and left feet, making him the center of attention for the team.
This year's knockout round is tightly fought and despite FC MacArthur beating FC Sydney in their most recent game and having a significant psychological advantage, I predict they will win this game and advance to the top four.
