Tue 10th Apr 2007

The underdog against Shanghai Shenhua and Urawa Reds, Sydney FC must contend with betting favouritism for the first time under Branko Culina when it resumes its AFC Champions League campaign versus Persik Kediri.

According to bookmakers, Sydney FC is odds on to beat Persik in Indonesia and take its Group E points tally to seven. However, while Persik's form in its domestic championship this season is nothing about which to write home - six wins, six losses and one draw - the club has won half of its home games in Asia's most prestigious club football competition down the years.

Much has been said and written about Persik's record-breaking 15-0 away loss to Korea Republic's Seongnam Chunma in 2004 but the fact that the Indonesian side has won two of its four home matches has been missed.

Persik may be languishing in seventh position in the western division of Indonesia's top flight but its attack is the most productive in the country and its star striker, Christian Gonzalez, tops the national scoring chart. The Uruguayan striker bagged a brace in Persik's 2-2 home draw versus Pelita Jaya on Thursday to make it ten goals this term. Unsurprisingly, Culina has singled out Gonzalez as Persik's man to watch.

Sixteen Sydney FC players traveled to Solo City, with Robbie Middleby, Mark Milligan and Jacob Timpano left behind. Ruben Zadkovich is tipped to deputise for Middleby at right back, while Terry McFlynn and Noel Spencer are competing for the central midfield berth vacant because of Milligan's suspension. Iain Fyfe and Nikolai Topor-Stanley may swap places after they trialled at left back and centre back respectively.

Sydney FC squad: Clint Bolton, Iain Fyfe, Nikolas Tsattalios, Mark Rudan, Noel Spencer, Ufuk Talay, Ruben Zadkovich, David Zdrilic, Steve Corica, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, David Carney, Alex Brosque, Terry McFlynn, Adam Casey, Luka Glavas, Dean Bouzanis.

Watch Sydney FC's big game at Star City's 36° Bar

There is no better place to watch Wednesday's AFC Champions League live double-header, kicking off with Sydney FC versus Persik Kediri, than the 36° Bar at Star City, the club's official home away from home.

Francis Awaritefe, Andy Jackson and Dale Walker will preview Sydney FC's third AFC Champions League match from 5.30pm until the big game kicks off at 6.00pm.

Fox Sports is broadcasting matches back to back, with the game between Adelaide United and Seongnam Chunma beginning at 8.00pm. Latecomers will be able to watch Sydney FC's match on delay at 10.00pm.

The 36° Bar is located on Level Two of Star City and access to it is via the main gaming floor. Star City will permit patrons to wear Sydney FC jerseys in the 36° Bar for Wednesday's special event but the venue's other dress regulations apply. There is plenty of parking available at Star City but you must pay to park your vehicle.