Corica to field new-look Sydney

Sydney FC caretaker coach Steve Corica plans to ring the changes for this weekend’s A-League match against Adelaide.

The Sky Blues are on a three-match losing streak after going down 4-2 to Brisbane Roar at the weekend. That result followed their 3-2 defeat to Melbourne Victory and a humiliating 7-2 loss to Central Coast.

It means Sydney have conceded 14 goals in three games, prompting Corica, who took over from departed head coach Ian Crook last week, to change things up.

Terry Antonis has returned from international duty, where he represented the Young Socceroos in the United Arab Emirates, and defender Adam Griffiths is back in the squad after recovering from injury.

“Definitely we’re looking at changes,” Corica said on Tuesday.

“I think we need to change the team a little bit, freshen them up.”

“Terry Antonis is obviously match fit, he gives something to our midfield – his passing, he’s very good on the ball,” he said.

“Griff is a strong a defender, good in the air and he adds a bit of height to the team as well.”

Corica said the team has missed the trio of Antonis, Griffiths and Jason Culina and he suggested Culina could make an appearance off the bench on Friday.

“Jason dictates play, which is something we’ve probably missed in the middle of the midfield,” he said.

Corica said the mood in the Sydney camp is still positive, despite the team being rooted to the bottom of the table.

“The vibe’s been good, all things considered,” he said.

“You can see by training it’s been good, it’s been physical.

“It’s been a bit of a harder day today, but we’re focused for the game on Friday.”

Sydney are desperate to get their season back on track this weekend, but Corica knows how tough that will be against the table-topping Adelaide.

“We’re playing against the best team really,” Corica said.

“It’s a good challenge for us to go and beat them and give our crowd something to cheer about.”