Key Matchup in A-League Semi-Final
Sydney FC coach Patrick Kisnorbo has made it clear that he will not let emotions dictate his decision on whether to start English winger Joe Lolley in the crucial semi-final match against Newcastle. The game, which could determine who advances to the A-League grand final, is set for Saturday night at McDonald Jones Stadium. After a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Allianz Stadium, the stakes are high for both teams.
Lolley, who recently returned from a long-term ankle injury, came off the bench in the first leg and has been a key talking point among fans and analysts. Many believe that starting him from the outset in Newcastle would give Sydney a significant advantage, especially considering the Jets’ status as A-League premiers.
However, Kisnorbo emphasized the need for a strategic approach. He acknowledged that while there is an emotional pull to start Lolley immediately, he must also consider the player’s fitness and the overall team dynamics.
“For me, it’s a balancing act,” Kisnorbo said on Friday. “Emotionally, you’d probably say yes (to starting Lolley), but also you’re going to be realistic as well, knowing where he’s come from.”
Kisnorbo added that the decision will depend on what is best for the team, rather than just the player’s preference. “If you ask the player, he’ll probably always say that they’ll be able to start … but for me, it’s being realistic and knowing what’s best for the team. You’ve got to be smart. We’ll think about … what we’re going to decide going into (Saturday).”
Impact of Lolley’s Return
During Lolley’s two-month absence, Sydney’s attack struggled to find its rhythm. His return could provide a much-needed boost, particularly in combination with striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos. The former Nottingham Forest player has shown promise since joining Sydney in February on loan from Motherwell.
Stamatelopoulos has scored three times in 12 appearances for the five-time A-League champions, including a goal in the semi-final first-leg draw. Kisnorbo believes the striker still has room for improvement.
“Can he improve? Yes he can,” Kisnorbo said. “He needs to understand that he can work and do more, which, if you ask him, I’m sure he’d say the same thing.”
Threats from the Opposing Side
While Stamatelopoulos poses a threat to the Jets, the opposition also has its own attacking options. Striker Lachlan Rose, who is set to join Scottish Premiership side Dundee United ahead of the 2026-27 season, is expected to return from a calf injury.
Jets coach Mark Milligan expressed confidence that not playing Rose in the first leg was a beneficial decision for both the player and the team. He highlighted that Rose is now back to his best form.
“He’s back to his very best, and that’s why we made that decision to give him that extra week (off), because not just him, but a number of (Jets players) play a high-intensity brand of football, and that’s a part of who Lachie is,” Milligan said.
As the match approaches, both teams are preparing for a high-stakes encounter that could determine their fate in the A-League season. With so much on the line, every decision made by the coaches will be under intense scrutiny.
