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Sydney FC seek A-League derby redemption

3 minute read

For all their dominance over the past two A-league seasons, Sydney FC are seeking a first win in five matches against crosstown rivals Western Sydney.

RHYAN GRANT of Sydney FC passes during the A-League match between Sydney FC and the Wellington Phoenix at WIN Jubilee Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
RHYAN GRANT of Sydney FC passes during the A-League match between Sydney FC and the Wellington Phoenix at WIN Jubilee Stadium in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Sydney FC have back-to-back A-League championships over the past two years but when it comes to local bragging rights, the Sky Blues are on the back foot.

Western Sydney head to ANZ Stadium on Saturday seeking to extend a four-game unbeaten run over their crosstown rivals stretching back to December 2018.

Avoiding defeat this weekend would mark the Wanderers' longest unbeaten run in the Sydney derby and it's a record the Sky Blues are itching to set right.

"Obviously, last year we had a pretty successful year but we didn't get the best results against our biggest rivals," Sydney right-back Rhyan Grant told AAP.

"It's probably the sweetest win when we do that, not just for us as players in the club but our fans and our members.

"They love to get one over them and it's always a fierce battle and we expect no different this week."

Saturday's match will be only Sydney's second game in a stop-start beginning to their 2020-21 campaign, having kicked off their quest for a historic three-peat with a hard-earned 2-1 win over Wellington in Wollongong two weeks ago.

The Wanderers, however, bounced back from their opening-day defeat to Macarthur with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle in coach Carl Robinson's much-anticipated return to the club he left in October.

No stranger to big derbies from his long playing career in England, Robinson is urging his team to embrace the occasion in a game which will give him an early barometer of the Wanderers' competitiveness.

"They're the target that every team wants to reach," Robinson said.

"We'll see where we're at. We're evolving, we're changing things here. The boys have been great since the first day I walked in but it'll be a good early test for us.

"When you get an opportunity to play in a big game you can't be scared, you can't be fearful. You've got to commit to it. You've got to enjoy it.

"My one bit of advice is don't leave anything to chance."

KEY MATCH STATS

* Western Sydney have not lost to Sydney in the past four derbies with their crosstown rivals.

* Sydney FC haven't won in their past three matches at ANZ Stadium.

* Wanderers' recruit James Troisi has scored five goals against the Sky Blues, his second highest tally against a single opponent behind Central Coast (6).

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