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Sydney FC refuse to underestimate Wanderers ahead of FFA Cup semifinal


Sydney FC coach Steve Corica is disregarding a couple of preseason thumpings for Western Sydney Wanderers heading into Saturday's FFA Cup semifinal derby.

Still coming together under new coach Markus Babbel, the Wanderers have struggled outside of their FFA Cup run, losing 3-0 to Central Coast Mariners and 4-0 to Newcastle Jets.

"They've had a couple of hidings ... but it's a derby, there something on the line for this game," Corica said.

"They were friendly games, preseason games and there's a trophy up for grabs if we can get through to the final after this.

"So it will be a different game for them, they will be up for it."

Corica will have almost all of his squad available, though promising central defender Ben Warland will be out for three months with a foot fracture suffered in training.

"It's unfortunate he'll miss the start of it [the season] now, but we'll have him fit, ready to go when it's important that we'll need him," Corica said.

"Especially, we've got the Champions League as well this year, so we need four good centre backs fit and ready for that."


Classy midfield recruit Daniel De Silva is available for Saturday night's game at Penrith Stadium after suffering hamstring damage five weeks ago.

"He's been training the last two, three weeks now with the team, so he's excited ready to go," Corica said.

He said new imports Adam le Fondre, Siem de Jong and Jop van der Linden and former Mariners forward Trent Buhagiar had all settled in well.

Former Dutch international De Jong has played in both the No. 9 and No. 10 roles so far.

"We can play him high or a little bit deeper in the midfield, so he gives us that versatility that we need," Corica said.

With Socceroos captain Mile Jedinak retiring from international duty, Corica feels Sky Blues holding midfielders Brandon O'Neill and Josh Brillante could be considered by new national coach and ex-Sydney FC mentor Graham Arnold.

"They are great professionals, they work very hard and I wouldn't be surprised if one or both of them end up in the national team this year," Corica said.

"Graham knows them very well and knows what to expect from them. He knows what they can give."

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