Uffy said in the presser that he expected to name a strong(est?) XI because we had more recovery time to the Sydney game.
Also, a win would get us into the QF of the Cup which would be a club record. City would be hard to beat but still if we make it there we'd technically be 2 games away from the final. Not bad if you ask me
Hooper wont be there, travelling back to the UK for personal reasons, due back on the 27th of December. Knowing our luck he will decide to retire while hes back home
Hooper missing shouldn’t really be game-breaker against an NPL team, but even for the A League games he’s going to miss, its probably not as bad as it seems. He hasn’t looked that great and very much looks like he missed pre-season, like he only has one shot, which went off-target, in the past two losses and hasn’t really looked like scoring outside of that fortuitous rebound against the Mariners.
As much as it kills me to say it, Sotirio would probably do a better job, and also mean that whoever he’s paired with won’t have to carry him off the ball. Even though Talay said he’ll play a full team and he isn’t exactly one to rotate his players, I’d want to see changes from the Jets battering, like Waine, Sotirio, Pennington etc, because if you don’t get dropped after a game like that, when will you get dropped.
Hooper missing shouldn’t really be game-breaker against an NPL team, but even for the A League games he’s going to miss, its probably not as bad as it seems. He hasn’t looked that great and very much looks like he missed pre-season, like he only has one shot, which went off-target, in the past two losses and hasn’t really looked like scoring outside of that fortuitous rebound against the Mariners.
As much as it kills me to say it, Sotirio would probably do a better job, and also mean that whoever he’s paired with won’t have to carry him off the ball. Even though Talay said he’ll play a full team and he isn’t exactly one to rotate his players, I’d want to see changes from the Jets battering, like Waine, Sotirio, Pennington etc, because if you don’t get dropped after a game like that, when will you get dropped.
Outside of the Jets game where his touch (and seemingly everyone elses) was terrible, Hooper has been a massive part of our link up play when transititioning. Ball is the only other player we have that you can rely on to hold on to the ball and then move it on in the attacking third. Hasn't had as many chances as he'd probably like because he's been dropping deep and he hasn't been close enough to the goal when he needs to be.
Well a 2nd XI Nix took their opportunity against Western United 'B' in FFA Cup, and this will likely be a stronger team upfront with maybe Ball, Sotiro & Piscopo all starting this time.
I dont understand the pointless negativity, sure be unhappy about the Jets game, sure be unhappy that Hooper has headed home, but come on man have some hope and dream that Uffie and his team will have the lads ready for this one and we stand a chance of winning.
"Hooper wont be there, travelling back to the UK for personal reasons, due back on the 27th of December. Knowing our luck he will decide to retire while hes back home"
I have a feeling we won't see him in a Nix shirt again. He ain't coming back. He's never looked particularly interested in playing here imo. I might be wrong but won't be surprised if he decides to retire or force an exit somehow.
I'm loving having the cup games, knockout football is rare for us so lets just enjoy it. If we beat Avondale tonight we are 3 wins away from silverware, how bloody good
"Hooper wont be there, travelling back to the UK for personal reasons, due back on the 27th of December. Knowing our luck he will decide to retire while hes back home"
I have a feeling we won't see him in a Nix shirt again. He ain't coming back. He's never looked particularly interested in playing here imo. I might be wrong but won't be surprised if he decides to retire or force an exit somehow.
I'll bet you your password to the forum that he'll be back.
"Hooper wont be there, travelling back to the UK for personal reasons, due back on the 27th of December. Knowing our luck he will decide to retire while hes back home"
I have a feeling we won't see him in a Nix shirt again. He ain't coming back. He's never looked particularly interested in playing here imo. I might be wrong but won't be surprised if he decides to retire or force an exit somehow.
During the first covid outbreak, he flew back to the UK but stayed up all night watching replays of games with fans on youtube. He was one of only two foreigners in the comp who went overseas and returned to finish the season (the other being Uli). He's shown a lot of loyalty to the team, and he's on a two year contract.
I'd put money on him returning.
Anyway, this game, we have enough fire power in Sotirio, Waine, Piscipo, Ball, etc. to demolish a semi pro team.
I for one am sure we will be in for a cracker of a game tonight. Our boys looking to redeem themselves after the shocker against the Jets along with making cup history. On the flip side of that you've got the Avondale Boys who I'm sure were hoping if they had to play an A League team it would be the Nix. They could be fired up and view us as an easy scalping. I think their players will also be looking to make themselves look attractive at this chance in the shop window. They'll be well aware of how depleted our squad is and a good performance could put them on the radar of our scouts and maybe even kick-start the next phase in their footballing careers. All of these factors combined point towards the potential for a very heated and enthralling clash.
After the hiding we got on the weekend. The players have everything to play for. First XI positions up for grabs. I expect to see some of the current second stringers getting an opportunity. looking for big games from Fenton and Sutton. Also a chance for the likes of Pennington, Prso and Bozanoski to push for starting spot.
Pennington Lewis Sotirio. Reno Ball. Waine Train 🚂
Maybe Prso or Manuel instead of Lewis has played every game so far
Lewis would definitely be in our top 11 right? One of our best creative distributors. Though would be interesting to see how Pennington goes. Also wonder how Lewis would go further forward. Though I’ve said that about McGarry too.
I know the opposition standard isn't A-League quality, but Ball is leaving Avondale for dead here with his movement and vision - As evidenced by his great ball through for Sotirio's goal.
Good positive start by the boys. Let's get a couple more here!
