RESPONSE DEMANDED

Sydney FC may turn to rookie for derby

FOOTBALL: Aaron Calver could be set for his first start of the season as Sydney FC coach Steve Corica attempts to shore up his defence for the Sydney derby.

If so, Jop van der Linden would likely be the immediate casualty, after the Dutch centreback’s shaky display contributed to last week’s shock 3-1 loss to Wellington.

Much is on the line for the Sky Blues at ANZ Stadium tonight, not least the bragging rights they’ve earned in all but one of the past 15 encounters with Western Sydney.

And while it’s also a chance to rebound from a less-than-convincing few weeks, a loss could push Corica’s third-placed side further down the table.

Corica foreshadowed personnel changes after the stunning Phoenix capitulation and he confirmed 22-year-old Calver, who’s had only five minutes of action this campaign, is a chance to start.

“He is,” Corica said.

“I don’t want to give too much away but I just want a good performance from our boys and a good response after last week’s defeat.

“Our defence is key. Up until last week’s game we’d only conceded five goals which was the best in the league.

“But we were disappointed last week conceding three goals and we worked on it and improved this week. It’s about being compact and aggressive in defence.

“The Wanderers scored two goals last week, so we know what they’re about and their strengths, and we need to be ready for it.”

Recovered Dutch marquee Siem de Jong returned to play 45 minutes off the bench against the Phoenix and is poised for a reintroduction to the first XI.

Likewise, Danny De Silva is “very close to starting”, although the 21-year-old has missed training sessions this week while away at Olyroos camp in Canberra.

“We had Siem on the bench last week and I want to get him back into the team as soon as possible,” Corica said.

“Because he’s a marquee and he’s been out for six weeks. We’ve missed him.

“We’ve got players like Danny De Silva as well who I’m excited about and I want to get him into the team as well.

“They’re exciting players who can give a lot to our team going forward, but it’s about timing and bringing them in at the right times.”

Photo: Richard Dobson EMMA KEMP BATTLELINES DRAWN: Sydney FC’s Adam Le Fondre and the Wanderers’ Oriol Riera were once almost teammates at Wigan, but now find themselves as opposing No.9s in tonight’s Sydney derby. “These games are the most exciting in Australia, for the fans and for us,” Riera said. “We don't need motivation to play those games, they are beautiful games.”