A-League coaches tipping Sydney in Preliminary

Outgoing Central Coast Mariners coach Lawrie McKinna, Brisbane Roar’s Ange Postecoglou and Newcastle Jets’ Branko Culina all believe Sydney FC will win Saturday’s Preliminary Final against the Wellington Phoenix.

McKinna cited a home ground advantage as the major factor and said much of Wellington’s drive will have to come from Paul Ifill if they are to win.

“I'd go for Sydney, just because of home advantage. I'm expecting a very tight game. Wellington can definitely come here and get the result,” McKinna said.

"The two teams are solid in defence. Sydney have won so many of their games 1-0, so I can see a very tight, tense game that could definitely go into extra time. It's anybody's game after that because it's a bit of a lottery.

"The two of them are well matched and, for Wellington to win, I think they need big Ifill to come up with something special. He's delivered on many occasions this season."

Postecoglou echoed McKinna’s sentiments, saying that the Sydney Football Stadium will bode well for the Sky Blues.

"I am a believer that, particularly in finals games, home ground makes a massive difference," the Roar coach said.

"Even though Wellington are going to have the confidence going into it, I still think Sydney might just shade it.

"I think a one-off game is going to be pretty tight and home ground makes a big difference."

And Culina, although saying New Zealand football would benefit from a Phoenix win, believes it is too hard a task for Ricki Hebert’s men.

"It's a two-horse race so they've got a terrific chance. It would be great for New Zealand football if they can do that but it will be difficult playing away,” he said.

“Sydney, the way they've shaped up all year, I think they might be a bit too hard to break down at home."