Shanghai SIPG head coach Vitor Pereira attends a press conference ahead of the 2019 AFC Champions League Group H match between Sydney FC and Shanghai SIPG at the Jubilee Stadium in Sydney, Asutralia, on April 9, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhu Hongye)
SYDNEY, April 9 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai SIPG will face Sydney FC at their home ground on Wednesday night, with both teams fighting to advance from the group stage of the 2019 Asian Champions League.
Approaching midway through the group stage, Sydney FC are bottom of the standings and in need of a win, while Shanghai sit just one point behind group leaders and former champions, Ulsan FC.
Shanghai present a formidable opponent for Sydney -- coming off an unusual loss in the Chinese Super League last week, the visitors will be looking to regain some confidence and cement their place in the next round of the cup.
Coach Vitor Pereira says he won't just be relying on big name Brazilian imports Hulk and Oscar, who in the past have delivered world class performances for the team including a thundering long range goal from Hulk in their last game.
"These kind of players can give us some moments of magic, but football is a collective game," Pereira said. "I think we have to play and to win as a team."
Sydney FC will be drawing on an experienced pool of players and the homeside advantage when they step onto the field with coach Steve Corica undaunted by the international threat.
"Our boys have got a lot of heart, we're physical, we know what to expect from them now," Corica said. "We're going to put up a good performance."
Looking to shutdown Sydney's opportunities crossing into the box, former Chelsea midfielder Oscar is confident that his side is prepared to face the home team.
"We saw their last match, that they won," he said, "they have a very strong attack, and we are ready for the match."
