This match will mean more than just bragging rights, as both Sydney FC and the Western Sydney Wanderers need the points to keep their top-four hopes alive. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 7:30pm (AEDT).
They say form doesn’t count in a derby, and both these sides will be hoping this is true after each has struggled in recent weeks.
Sydney FC will be looking to put all recent history out of their minds, having lost the last three derbies and coming off a disappointing loss to Central Coast last week.
Sydney has been inconsistent this year and will look to string together some good performances in a last push towards the finals.
This match provides a great chance for Sydney to pick up some momentum and give the fans something to cheer about.
Sydney’s biggest problem this year has been slow starts. While it’s nothing new to say, it is important to start strong – it will be vital for the Sky Blues to start well tonight if they hope to taste derby success.
It should be noted that Sydney has lost all nine games this season when they have conceded the first goal, meaning they cannot afford to go behind against the Wanderers tonight.
They will need to sharpen up defensively at set pieces as well, with almost half the goals they have conceded this season coming from dead-ball situations.
Western Sydney have found themselves in a mid-season slump, and with Asian Champions League commitments it is not going to get any easier for Tony Popovic’s men.
Of late, the Wanderers have slid below their lofty standards, but expect them to bounce back in the clash that they always seem to lift for.
Western Sydney have had problems finishing off games recently. While Popovic has been playing down the significance of a hectic schedule, there’s no doubt it had an impact in their lacklustre loss to the Jets last weekend.
There was none of that usual spark normally associated with the Wanderers. If they haven’t figured out a way to freshen things up this week it could be a tough night out against their local rivals.
Prediction:
I predict Frank Farina’s men to lift for the occasion and win a tight one.
Sydney FC 2-1 Western Sydney Wanderers.
ŁKS Łódź
Guest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvFyHUs4M9Y Video is recorded above the cove and you can hear the rbb.....
mikael
Guest
You would have to say right now OG is a country mile better than Neill.
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Do I detect a hint of sour grapes?
AZ_RBB
Guest
Congrats on making noise in your 45k capacity stadium for once.
frontier
Guest
Bit rough PA, Troisi and Kruse and Taggart and Juric weren't playing, Rogic and Oar were subbed off with the lead still intact.
ciudadmarron
Guest
A team for all sydney.
Kane Cassidy
Roar Guru
Well I watched the replay and I really have to say for all the RBB's huffing and puffing about having the loudest fans in the A-League, WSW really lost their nerve when defending the Cove end. Firstly a very weak clearance that Covic should have cleared up, not down where any old player can get a hold of it and score. Second Beauchamp with a daft back pass, he should have known Garcia was lurking and hoofed it up field or at least out on the wings. Thirdly, Polenz saw the ball being kicked in to Urosevski's hand, he really should have waited until the ref blew the whistle before trying to catch the ball. All of these point to one thing; The Wanderers lost their heads, the Cove and surrounding groups made so much noise they contributed to some really poor decisions on WSW's part.
Bill
Guest
I agree wholeheartedly. It is by far the worst thing about the league.
Bill
Guest
Is that you Jim??? You could have changed your first letter at least.
Bartinho
Guest
No. Keep it as a sell out. It was great to watch a packed stadium going nuts for their teams.
Punter
Guest
Lucas made Og look bad as he had to cover for Lucas's lack of movement.
JAJI
Guest
Og or Lucas but not both?
mikael
Guest
Og incredible performance... hopefully ange realises how much better he is than spiranovic or good
AZ_RBB
Guest
ahh got it. yeah i sang for my team even though i don't really support them so that covers the first part. and then i assaulted countless people, so that's the other half. that covers it i guess.
Allan
Guest
The team that arguably outplayed the Roar at home previously will not be the team that fronts them again, that's what has ended WSW this year - Beauchamp who was great last season cost a win tonight and I reckon it's because he has been MIA for the whole season.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Cut Snake: Australian slang. to refer to a person as a "cut snake" is to say that they are wild and crazy, without rationalism and are attacking anyone or anything around them.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
The future is bright but inexperienced and let 3 nil leads slip through their very fingers.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
They'd beat Newcastle on the finals I reckon.
Dyssius
Guest
Taggart + Juric up front in 2018. could be lethal. than find a way to also put troisi, rogic, oar, kruse in. the future is bright.
Passionate_Aussie
Roar Rookie
Brisbane also have to beat the wanderers at Pirtek, something they've never done either.