Soccer: It's do-or-die as Kingz face up to Parramatta

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The message is simple as the Football Kingz head into tonight's NSL away game with Parramatta Power: score goals or forget even slim hopes of making the top six.

Against Marconi last week, the Kingz again created chances but failed to convert.

"The performance against Marconi was not too bad," assistant coach Stu Jacobs said. "But we were again let down by our finishing.

"The back three and the midfield are looking solid, but if we can't put the goals away, their good work doesn't count for much."

With Chris Jackson and Hiroshi Miyazawa back from suspension, Jeff Campbell and Steven Turner have been omitted from the squad who played Marconi.

Captain Jackson rejoins the central midfield and Mark Burton will play on the left, with Mark Beldham dropping to the substitutes' bench, where he is likely to be joined by Miyazawa, Jeremy Christie and goalkeeper James Bannatyne.

"Mark Beldham did well in a role he is not comfortable with and remains an option off the bench," Jacobs said.

"This is a critical game - one we must win."

Keeper Michael Utting, who played with strapping on an injured knee last week, has improved in the past few days and is expected to be close to full fitness as he seeks to continue the outstanding form he has shown this season.

In keeping with their new policy of travelling on match-day, the Kingz left for Sydney early this morning.

The last time they flew on match-day, they beat the Melbourne Knights 2-1, coming from behind after conceding an early own-goal.

Parramatta, who go into the match five places and seven points ahead of the Kingz, are likely to make changes after losses to Northern Spirit and Brisbane in their most recent outings.

"After two losses, we need players out there who can make things happen and stand up to change a game," Parramatta coach Nick Theodorakopolous said.

"I am looking to have mentally strong players out on the pitch."

Striker Pablo Cardozo is likely to start after making an impact in a losing cause against Brisbane.

The Kingz have some things in their favour.

They have beaten the Sydneysiders in four of seven meetings - their last win in the first round this season 2-1 at Ericsson Stadium in November.

And the Kingz have never lost at Parramatta.

The match kicks off at 9.30pm (NZ time).

Kingz (likely): Michael Utting, Jonathan Perry, Con Anthopoulos, Mauro Donoso, James Pritchett, Chris Jackson, Raf de Gregorio, Mark Burton, Patricio Almendra, Harry Ngata, Andy Vlahos. Substitutes: James Bannatyne, Hiroshi Miyazawa, Jeremy Christie, Mark Beldham.