It is derby day on Saturday in the A-League when Western Sydney Wanderers welcome Sydney FC to the CommBank Stadium.
Both teams occupy places in the top six of the A-Leauge currently and head into this game on the back of victories last weekend, providing plenty of confidence to each.
Match preview
Western Sydney Wanderers have been one of the most dominant teams in the A-League so far this season, which is why they currently sit second in the division.
Their home form has played a big part in that as Marko Rudan's men have only been beaten once at the CommBank Stadium, and that run continued last weekend when they hosted Western United.
It proved to be a close and competitive match, but it was one that the Wanderers came out on top of after Yeni Ngbakoto scored his fourth goal of the season to break the deadlock.
Right now Western Sydney Wanderers sit seven points behind the league leaders, and considering the fact that Melbourne City have a game in hand it is crucial that they remain consistent.
Defensively, only Adelaide United bost a better record at home throughout this campaign, and that is something that will bring plenty of confidence to Rudan's men this weekend.
While the hosts are flying high at the moment, the visitors are also in a strong position which is a rare occasion for both Sydney clubs in the A-League as they prepare for derby day.
Sydney FC are currently in great form after securing their first back-to-back wins of the season last weekend following a 3-2 win against Central Coast Mariners.
The five-goal thriller saw both teams finish the match with 10 men, but a brace from Adam le Fondre and a goal from Joe Lolley helped them take all three points.
The attacking display was not a big surprise for Sydney FC fans though, because no team has scored more goals away from home this season than them.
That is something that they will be bringing this weekend as great attacking football will be meeting a solid defensive team to see which one will claim the advantage.
Team News
The hosts have a trio of new signings that have been brought into the squad for this weekend with Kusini Yngi, Amor Layouni, and Nicolas Milanovic all being recent additions that will be hoping to make their debuts.
However, after picking up three points and keeping a clean sheet in the process against Western United, Rudan could be tempted to keep the same starting XI this time out.
There will be at least once change for the visitors this weekend though due to the fact Rhyan Grant was sent off in their recent 3-2 victory last time out.
However, a debut could end up being handed to new signing Joel King, who recently joined the club on a loan deal, which would be a welcome boost to the squad.
Western Sydney Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Thomas; Cleur, Mrcela, Marcelo, Traore; Amalfitano, Nieuwenhof; Wilmering, Bozanic, Ngbakoto; Borrello
Sydney FC possible starting lineup:
Redmayne; Brattan, Donachie, Wilkinson, Caballo; Caceres, Brattan, Burgess; Lolley, Mak; Le Fondre
We say: Western Sydney Wanderers 2-1 Sydney FC
Both of these teams are heading into the game with confidence, and with it being a derby encounter there will be plenty of tension heading into this one.
However, Western Sydney Wanderers will be seen as the favourites due to their league position, but also due to their dominance at home throughout this season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
