Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold sets his young stars the challenge of shining against EPL giants Liverpool

FOR months they have set unparalleled records in the A-League, and a long holiday beckons — but first Sydney FC have the small encore of a clash with EPL giants Liverpool.

FOR months they have set unparalleled records in the A-League, and a long holiday beckons — but first Sydney FC have the small encore of a clash with EPL giants Liverpool with which to finish off their season.

Even though there is little riding on the game, bar a night watching their heroes for 75,000 Liverpool supporters, the rewards for those in Sky Blue could come afterwards if they can shine against such elite opposition.

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Two years ago Bernie Ibini and Alex Gersbach stood out against Tottenham and Chelsea respectively, and within months both were in Europe. Even if several of the architects of Sydney’s A-League success will be missing against the English giants on this occasion, the stage is there for others wanting to grasp it.

Sydney FC midfielder Josh Brillante will have the chance to make an impression against Liverpool on Wednesday night.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for our boys to showcase themselves,” said Sydney coach Graham Arnold. “If I’m playing in that game, in front of seventy thousand-odd fans, it’s a night I’ll never forget — and who knows where it could lead.

“It’s a chance to showcase the A-League, Sydney FC and yourself. Two years ago Bernie Ibini had a great game against Tottenham and two days later was signing with Club Brugges.

“Alex Gersbach got singled out for praise by Jose Mourinho against Chelsea, and a little while later got himself a move to Denmark. These games are watched by a lot of people, someone told me it’s being shown in 260 countries.

Liverpool players celebrate Coutinho’s goal against Middlesbrough on Sunday.

“We’ll have seven young boys on the bench, the future of Sydney FC, and we want to present ourselves in the best possible light.”

It’s not an occasion to set Arnold his toughest tactical challenge, given the absence of Milos Ninkovic, Filip Holosko and Jordy Buijs and against a Liverpool side celebrating qualification for the Champions League but arriving in Sydney only 24 hours before kick off.

Though Arnold and Sydney have a respectable record against EPL opposition, the first two of those games — defeating West Ham and losing to Newcastle — came within weeks of his arrival at the club in 2014.

Alex Gersbach in action for Sydney FC against Chelsea last year.

Two years ago they lost to Tottenham and Chelsea but only narrowly; with Liverpool legends including Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher possibilities to play in this game, it is likely to be more of a celebration than a contest.

“Still, we’ll have a gameplan for them, and with Brandon O’Neill and Josh Brillante in midfield, Seb Ryall in for Buijs and the rest of the usual back four, defensively we’ll be strong,” said Arnold.

“Going forward I’ll give the boys who play the freedom to attack and show off their skills. The thing with Liverpool is that you know any player who performs at that level will want to represent themselves and their club well.

Bernie Ibini (left) in action for Sydney FC against Tottenham last year.

“Playing against them will be a wonderful experience for our boys, and show the younger ones how far they have to come to reach that level. It should be an eye-opener for those who haven’t experienced international football.”