Gold Coast United Looking To Keep Pace With Sydney FC

Gold Coast United welcome Sydney FC to Skilled Park this weekend knowing a win is vital in order to keep pace with the A-League leaders.

Sydney have hit a purple patch with back-to-back wins and currently lie five points clear of Gold Coast, adding even more significance Saturday’s blockbuster.

United Head Coach Miron Bleiberg says despite his side’s recent results, the magnitude of the game makes it the perfect match for his troops to rise to the occasion and not only secure a much-needed three points, but also restore some pride.

“On paper you would think that it would be easier for us to get back to winning ways against any other team in the competition, but a challenge like this is what we need at the moment,” Bleiberg said.

“Every game in the A-League is an important game because you can go up and down the ladder from week to week.

“It’s very important for us that our rivals do not get too far ahead of us at any stage, so it’s fair to say that there is definitely added meaning to this game.

“They are top of the ladder for a reason and they are playing very well.

"If we can prove a point and get the result we’re after this week, then the sky is the limit for us.

"For a confidence boost, we couldn’t ask for a better game to play well in and emerge victorious.”

With Jess Vanstrattan sidelined with a back complaint, Scott Higgins will retain his place in goal for United, who are also set to welcome back defensive stalwart, Kristian Rees, who missed last week’s match with a hip injury.

Providing he comes through United’s last training session of the week unscathed, the return of Rees will stiffen the Gold Coast rearguard, Bleiberg says.

“Kristian Rees will have his final training session and fitness test today, however, we are very confident that he will be okay to return.

“When you talk about unsung heroes he is certainly one of them. Kristian has been an important part of the team and has been a solid performer for us all year.”

Brazilian midfielder Robson has been ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury, leaving Bleiberg with shrinking player numbers in the centre of the park.

However, misfortune for one player means opportunity for another, and the United boss has a potential ace up his sleeve with the inclusion on the substitute’s bench of highly prized Youth Team player, Mitch Bevan.

18-year-old Bevan nailed a superb, curling 25-metre drive last weekend in Gold Coast United’s 2-1 National Youth League win over the AIS, and Bleiberg has long been an admirer of his talents.

“We will be a little short of playing stocks due to one or two injuries, but that gives an opportunity to other players in the squad, including our youngsters, one of whom is Mitch Bevan who has been performing very well for the Youth Team recently,” he said.

Bleiberg continued: “Mitch will be on the bench for us this week and he is a player who we believe has a good future ahead of him. He was very impressive when he came on for the last half an hour against North Queensland in pre-season.

“Unfortunately for him and us, he has suffered from a few niggling injuries since then, but he is back now and has been training hard in the last few weeks.

“He is a player who has beautiful technique, flair and balance; as well as a great left foot. We will bring him on bit by bit, but he is the type of player that fans love.”

With a win vital to his side’s aspirations, Bleiberg called on the Gold Coast community to support his troops in their quest for A-League glory and play their part in bringing silverware to the Coast at the end of the season.

“The supporters will be vital to us this week. They lift the players and play a huge part in what we are trying to achieve.

"With it being such a big game and with so many good players on the field, it’s an ideal match for the Gold Coast public to come to and help us get the result we are after,” he said.

“The free ticket offer for youngsters, and reduced prices across the board, are great initiatives and the players will be delighted if they can walk out and see young footballers from the Gold Coast turning out to support their local team.”