Tuesday, 8 May 2007 1:50 PM
By Michael Tsoukalis
South Melbourne is presented with a genuine opportunity to get its season back on track as well as perhaps reclaim a top-six position this coming Sunday when John Anastasiadis’s men take on the Zoran Trajceski-coached Springvale White Eagles.
The White Eagles have had a reality check since their promotion to the Foxtel Cup, managing only one win and two draws to sit planted on the foot of the ladder on five points.
Whilst generally competitive the White Eagles have struggled for goals with youngster Goran Zoric leading the line with a serviceable four goals, precisely half of the White Eagles goal tally this season.
The Springvale-based outfit do contain some familiar faces with ex-South Melbourne players Tass Psonis and Radmir Sekulovski a key part of their midfield setup.
Experienced national league and ex-Marconi midfielder Vlado Zoric helps to add a further layer of class to the White Eagles midfield.
In the South camp the return of influential and inspirational club leader Tansel Baser immediately saw South return to the winner’s circle last Sunday with a hard fought 1-2 win against the A.I.S.
Whilst lacking full match fitness, Baser helped steady the midfield and allow South to dictate play, especially during the first half.
Boasting the most talent defense in the league, South Melbourne is still leaking goals which is no doubt a concern for Coach John Anastasiadis. In general play the defensive unit dominates, but with the clinical edge lacking at times in attack, South has been caught out on more than one occasion this season on the quick counter.
However, encouraging for South is that plenty of chances are being created with John Anastasiadis’s men producing at times the most attractive attacking play in the league.
Ramazan Tavsancioglu who has been trialing with Adelaide United will most probably start this week after beginning last week’s match on the bench.
Tavsancioglu aside it is unlikely South will make any changes to the team that faced the A.I.S.