Graham Arnold is preparing an all-out assault on Shanghai Shenhua in enemy territory and will gamble tactically if it means getting Sydney FC's Asian Champions League campaign back on even ground.
Last week's 2-0 opening home loss to Suwon Bluewings did nothing to dent the confidence of the coach who, after a rare week of soul-searching, remains confident the Sky Blues can go all the way in the continent's flagship tournament.
"Yes, why not? It's one (group) game, there's five to go," Arnold said.
"We don't think negatively ... the plan is to get to the top two in this first round and then move forward. I'm very confident it will happen.
"Now we're playing a different opposition. I believe we will expose their spaces, get our best players on the ball and learn our lessons from the last game.
"Our away record shows we're probably better away from home than at home, even in the A-League.
"So our game plan is to be pro-active, be dominant in possession, press in the right areas."
A loss to Shenhua in Shanghai on Wednesday night would inflict more damage on Sydney's ACL title ambitions.
But Arnold had a clear plan for the former club of Carlos Tevez - who drew 1-1 with Kashima Antlers last week - and was prepared to adapt based on what comes their way.
Wu Jingui's side struggled through last season under former coach Gus Poyet, having spent a fortune on the Argentine star and others with very little to show for it.
They still boast Colombian internationals Fredy Guarin and Giovanni Moreno, as well as Nigerian Obafemi Martins.
"Shanghai have shown in their whole pre-season and their first Champions League game that they play a certain way," Arnold said.
"So we are ready for that and we have a Plan B and C like we always do.
"Last week the results didn't go (our way) but tactically I changed the system two or three times to try to get the edge.
"I don't always sit on one plan, I always have three plans, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.
"But I'm not a coach who doesn't gamble, I always gamble. And when you're down 1-0, then you gamble."
Arnold signalled no changes to his starting XI but insinuated he may tinker with his bench.
Midfielders Josh Brillante and Brandon O'Neill both picked up yellow cards against Suwon and must tread carefully to avoid a second booking and a one-match ban.
Australian Associated Press
