IN just over 24 hours, one of the biggest games in the history of the A-League will get underway when Sydney FC take on Melbourne Victory at the Sydney Football Stadium.
Never before has three competition points been so important. At stake is the 2009/10 Premiership, a berth in the 2011 Asian Champions League, State versus State bragging rights and a psychological edge going into the finals series.
Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka said the build up to such a massive match is exciting for the A-League but the Sky Blues are well and truly focused on the task at hand.
"My feeling is a big massive game is coming. It's new for me especially as it is first time in Australia we play against Melbourne in a home game," Lavicka said.
"The regular season is going to the finish, so the last game is massive and exciting for everyone.
"They still have good players and a very good team and a smart coach, but we have true intentions and a big desire to win on Sunday."
Sydney FC claimed a stunning 3-0 win over Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in Round 10 with three goals in the space of five first half minutes - two of which came from Sky Blues striker Mark Bridge who will miss the match with a toe injury - while the sides played out a 0-0 draw at the same ground in Round 19.
The Sky Blues fined tuned preparations with training hit-outs at the SFS on Friday and Macquarie University this morning.
If Sydney FC wins and claims the Premiers Plate, the club will be the first to have had their A-League, W-League and National Youth League sides finish minor premiers during a season.
The Sky Blues return to the SFS for the first time since their 1-0 loss to the Gold Coast on Sunday 17 January.
"Maybe the colour (in some spots) is a little bit brown but I think it's flat which is important for good football, "Lavicka said. "It doesn't matter - we are focusing for our performance."
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