As Sydney United 58 FC prepare for its intriguing Australia Cup Final 2022 against Macarthur FC, here are three influential players to keep an eye out for in the decider.
TICKETS: Australia Cup Final
ROAD TO THE FINAL: Sydney United 58
THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH: Macarthur FC
Danijel Nizic
Despite Sydney proving on two occasions already this tournament that it can match it with Isuzu UTE A-League opposition, it is reasonable to suggest they go into the match at CommBank Stadium as underdogs. One man that will have a pivotal role if United are to lift silverware is Danijel Nizic. The goalkeeper has been instrumental for Miro Vlastelica’s squad with a plethora of saves to bail his team out and keep them in matches. An excellent shot-stopper, while commanding in the air, the former Burnley and Western Sydney Wanderers custodian will be one to watch.
Nizic has made the most saves (24) of any goalkeeper in the 2022 Australia Cup and has the highest save percentage of any keeper (89%) to have made at least 5 saves in total.
Nizic has prevented 4.2 goals in the 2022 Australia Cup (conceding three in total), more than any other goalkeeper in the competition.
Yianni Perkatis
The versatile footballer has also been key to United’s successful cup journey. Predominantly a central midfielder, the 28-year-old has displayed he is more than capable of playing as an auxiliary centre-back. The former Western Sydney Wanderer featured there against Brisbane Roar in the Semi-final.
Perkatis made 11 clearances against Brisbane Roar in the 2022 Australia Cup semi finals – the third most by any player in a game since the beginning of the 2021 tournament (Ryan Ensor – 13 for Broadmeadow Magic v Bentleigh Greens SC, 21 July 2022 and James Meredith – 12 for Macarthur FC v Sydney FC, 8 December 2021).
Chris Payne
The veteran striker scored nine goals during the NPL NSW season this year and provides a real focal point in attack. While likes of Patrick Antelmi and Glen Trifiro have stepped up with big goals in the tournament, Payne has been equally effective in linking the attacking play in the final third. The clinical finisher’s experience will also be invaluable for the side having accumulated more than 40 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances.
Payne has made three assists - the joint-most of any player - and outperformed his Expected Assists by 2.5, the second-most of any player in the 2022 Australia Cup.
Payne has created seven scoring chances in the 2022 Australia Cup, the most of any Sydney United 58 player.
Payne has had 28 touches in the opposition box in the 2022 Australia Cup, the most of any Sydney United 58 player.
All data provided by Stats Perform.
Australia Cup Final 2022 Match Details
Sydney United 58 FC vs Macarthur FC
Date: Saturday, 1 October 2022
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta, NSW
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEST
Gates Open: 6.30pm AEST
Tickets: Click Here
