The much-anticipated Sydney Derby<\/a> between Sydney FC<\/a> and the Western Sydney Wanderers will have much more hanging on it than just bragging rights, with the carrot of finals football only intensifying an already heated rivalry.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Knights coach fumes at 'two different standards'<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Aussie superstar Smith confirms big signing<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/strong> Erebus loses top driver to rival in mystery switch<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Heading into the clash at Allianz Stadium, Sydney will be without talismanic Slovak attacker Robert Mak who was controversially sent off in Sydney's disappointing loss to the Newcastle Jets<\/a> after being accused of violent conduct. Despite Sydney appealing the decision, the red card was upheld, and head coach Ufuk Talay now must focus his side on the enormous upcoming clash.<\/p>\n "I'm pleased we backed Robbie and tried to appeal the decision. It's extremely disappointing for Robbie and for the club that he will miss the Sydney Derby which is a huge game for everyone," said Talay.<\/p>\n Despite missing Mak, Sydney will head into the clash against the Wanderers full of confidence after their last derby meeting wherein Sydney ran out convincing 4-1 winners at CommBank Stadium, with Brazilian striker Fabio scoring twice for the Sky Blues.<\/p>\n Talay will be hoping his side can replicate this performance once again on Saturday night but will be aware of a Wanderers side who will be keen to get one over their biggest rivals and solidify themselves within the top six.<\/p>\n Sydney's star number 10, Englishmen Joe Lolley will be one of many players on Saturday night looking to inspire his side as his pace and incision down the wing will look to keep the Wanderers backline honest.<\/p>\n The Wanderers themselves will be relying on Australian international Brandon Borrello for inspiration on enemy territory, with his combative attitude along with his pace and trickery key in the Wanderers pursuit for victory.<\/p>\n Both clubs will be missing players due to Olyroos<\/a> commitments for the upcoming AFC U-23 Asian Cup<\/a> in Qatar, with talented defensive duo Jordan Courtney-Perkins and Jake Girdwood-Reich missing for the Sky-Blues, while both Lachlan Brook and Nicolas Milanovic will be out for the Wanderers.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, despite these absentees, both clubs will be confident that they have more than enough talent to claim all three points and more importantly some breathing room in the fight for the top six and finals football.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<\/p>\n