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The Harbour City is painted sky blue as Sydney FC claim bragging rights and continue their impressive form over their bitter rivals the Wanderers.
In front of over 40,000 fans, the match got underway in frantic fashion as both sides pressed for an early goal in tense opening minutes.
MATCH REPORT: SYDNEY FC DOWN WANDERERS IN DERBY
After some flat periods, the Wanderers were controversially denied the opening goal right at the end of the first half, as Jaushua Sotirio was denied by the linesman who waved it offside. Wanderers fans were right to be aggrieved, as the official should have given the benefit of the doubt to the attacking team.
Western Sydney hit back hard in the second half, controlling the early stages. However Sydney reaped the reward for absorbing the Wanderers’ pressure, with a Milos Ninkovic strike into the bottom corner giving his side the lead.
Ninkovic’s late goal proved the difference, as Sydney stood strong in defence to continue their unbeaten start to the season.
A great performance nonetheless by the Wanderers, who were unlucky not come away with a point after controlling most of the game.
Although not the most eventful derby, the Sky Blues will be happy to come away with the three points.
Sydney travel to Gosford next week to face the Mariners, while the still-winless Wanderers host Perth.
Final score
Sydney FC 1
Western Sydney Wanderers 0
The Sydney Derby takes centre stage this evening as Sydney FC host rivals the Western Sydney Wanderers in an A-League encounter not to be missed. Join The Roar from 7:15pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.
After a plethora of goals and excitement in last week’s Melbourne Derby, it is Sydney’s turn in the spotlight as two bitter rivals go head to head.
Tonight’s match is the 10th Sydney Derby and despite not having many encounters, there is certainly no love lost between these two sides.
This has proven to be more than a football match to the players and supporters, with plenty of passion and raw emotion. The fixture is always a fiery affair, with 52 yellow cards collectively handed out at an average of six bookings per match.
Sydney FC have started better of the two sides this season, being undefeated in their opening two games. The Sky Blues left it late to claim victory over the Jets last week, with an 89th minute Alex Brosque header sealing victory.
FC were rewarded for their persistence up front, and the win set a new A-League record as Sydney continue their impressive unbeaten away run to 16 matches.
Meanwhile, Western Sydney are winless in their first two games and are determined to get things rolling in season 2015-16. The Wanderers managed one point last week as they travelled to Adelaide, with Andreu going from villain to hero, scoring the equaliser following an early own goal.
The Wanderers will want to liven things up this weekend after a scrappy affair against the Reds. They will also look to go against the course of recent history, with the red and black brigade having not won a Sydney Derby since January 2014.
Tony Popovic’s men are a very different side to the one that lined up in last season’s fixtures, with only six players from the Wanderers’ squad of 15 in the previous derby set to play.
There have certainly been some thrilling encounters between these two sides, none more so than the last time these two sides met.
A seven-goal thriller saw the Sky Blues escape with the three points. Having let a three-goal lead slip, they found the back of the net to clinch a late victory.
History favours the Graham Arnold’s side this evening, having won three out of the previous five derbies, with another being drawn. Yet history means nothing, as in a derby anything is possible.
Sydney welcome back Slovakian marquee Filip Holosko from injury while Andrew Hoole returns from suspension. Ali Abbas remains unavailable as he recovers from a knee injury.
The Wanderers make two new inclusions, welcoming Alberto and Jonathan Aspropotamitis into the side.
The Sydney Derby is the perfect stage for Wanderers striker Federico Piovaccari to make his mark on the A-League. The Italian has been unlucky in front of goal, failing to score in his opening two games.
Last season’s derby saw the emergence of Kerem Bulut, whose brace sent Wanderers fans into raptures. Can Piovaccari do the same?
This game is one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season and won’t disappoint. Both teams will be determined to get the three points and enjoy bragging rights across the Harbour City.
Prediction
Sydney FC 2-1
Will Sydney FC continue their form over their bitter rivals? Or will the Wanderers spoil the party with their first victory of the season? Join The Roar from 7:15pm (AEDT) for scores and debate in our live blog.
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