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May 24 2014

Shepparton News

Goulburn Valley Suns star Kristian Sarkies is in the mix to return for tomorrow’s National Premier League clash with Northcote City.

Sarkies missed the last two matches with injury, but trained this week and pulled up well.

Suns coach Peter Zois said the experienced attacking midfielder was underdone, but would come under consideration for selection.

‘‘I’m yet to speak to him (since training on Thursday night), but there was no reaction to his injury, so we’ll see how he is and I’ll see if I bring him into the team,’’ Zois said.

‘‘Sarkies is a player who has the qualities to start, but the team had a good result last week, so it throws a good challenge down as a coach.’’

Striker and lead goal-scorer Craig Carley was also passed fit, after he was substituted with a knock to the knee in the fiery 1-1 draw against Bentleigh Greens last week.

Sarkies’ inclusion would be a major boost for the Suns ahead of a date with the reigning Victorian Premier League champions at their John Cain Memorial Oval fortress.

City has hardly set the league alight this season, but regained dangerous wide man Evan Kounavelis and suspended coach Goran Lozanovski against Oakleigh last week and held the high-flying Cannons to a 1-1 draw.

Zois was pleased with the way his side dealt with the threat of Bentleigh, but predicted a different challenge against City.

‘‘They’ve got different personnel and they’ll play a little bit differently,’’ he said.

‘‘Whereas Bentleigh’s challenge was they liked to keep the ball a lot and if you press them a certain way you can get exposed.

‘‘Northcote has got a lot of big players and seem to be a little bit more dangerous on set pieces, so we will need to minimise the number of corners and free kicks we give away.’’

Much of the danger comes from strike pairing Trent Rixon and James Kalifatidis, which fronts a traditional 4-4-2 formation.

With Kounavelis roaming one flank, the Suns’ full-backs and centre-halves will have to be on their toes.

‘‘Kalifatidis is very dynamic and explosive and Trent is not as explosive, but he’s a big strong player, can hold the ball up and any high ball you can pretty much expect him to flick balls on,’’ Zois said.

‘‘Trent will win the ball and James will bounce off him.’’

Zois will be loath to change a back four of Cody Sellwood, Nick Kalafatis, Rossi Lagana and Naum Sekulovski that kept Bentleigh largely in check.

He said last week’s match took a lot out of the Suns’ playing group physically and mentally, but a lighter week on the training track had them ready to go.

Live coverage of the match will be available via ‘‘Live Cast’’ in the TuneIn Radio app or www.livecast. com.au

Kick-off is 3 pm.