Only two teams hold a 100 per cent record – Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers – after round two.
Next weekend will perhaps showcase the biggest derby ever as a result.
The Sky Blues have dominated recent clashes, with Western Sydney’s last victory through a Brendan Santalab winner back in 2017.
Saturday’s clash may prove different, as Sydney limped to a 2-1 victory over the Wellington Phoenix but Wanderers scored a priceless win away to Melbourne Victory.
Sky Blues’ coach Steve Corica said his team were happy to forego the “favourites” tag to their cross-town rivals.
“If you want to class us as the underdogs that’s fine,” he said.
Corica admitted defence was an issue against Wellington but he was pleased with the side’s attack.
“There is a little bit of work to do defensively,” he said.
“We caught them (Wellington) on the counter quite a few times but they caught us a few times too.
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Western Sydney will be eager to return to their spiritual home for the top-of-the-table clash with the backing from their fanbase.
It’s a test Corica said his team will relish.
“I’ve heard it’s great (Parramatta Stadium),” he said.
“It’s a challenge playing at their ground and the boys are looking forward to it.
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With the Wanderers boasting attacking talents Mitch Duke, Alex Meier and Kwame Yeboah, Corica said his defence must be on guard against the former champions of Asia.
“The derby is always tight,” he said.
“It’s full-on, and physical, it’s what you want from a derby, we’re looking forward to it, obviously, I’m sure they are.”
If Sydney FC get the job done against Wellington this Sunday, next week’s #SydneyDerby will be huge! #MVCvWSW #WSW pic.twitter.com/ZdjX4Ydddz
— The Football Sack (@TheFootballSack) October 18, 2019
Both sides should be full of confidence and will not give an inch to their rivals.
This derby will be the first in its short history where it is first against second.
Even at this early stage of the season, Parramatta could be playing host to an early look into potential premiership contenders.
The Sky Blues should provide the perfect test for the Wanderers to evaluate their chances for silverware.
Feature image credit: Steve Cristo
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