To see Sydney training this week...

 “With two wins in a row I know our players are not the type to say we’re going to smash Melbourne Victory,” Lugt told au.fourfourtwo.com.

“But I think we’re going to. People may laugh about it, and if we lose people will say, ‘Ah, arrogant Sydney or whatever’. But it’s not the case at all.

“Smash is probably a negative word but what I mean is, I think we’re going to win and win well. We’re going to fight with the heart.

"I’m convinced that the players are getting back that confidence and are passionate and want to show the loyal Sydney fans what they can deliver on the pitch."

Saturday’s clash has major implications for both these fierce A-League rivals – who between them have won four out of five golden toilet seats.

Victory are in fifth on 32 points while reigning champions Sydney FC, who have also played 24 games, sit in ninth on 24 points.

The form lines favour Sydney FC - who are on a two-game winning streak after defeating Newcastle Jets and Gold Coast United - while Victory are heading in the opposite direction having lost to Adelaidde United and Wellington Phoenix last week.

The home side simply must win - and continue winning if they are to have any hope of a finals finish. 

Victory for their part must tighten their grip on a finals berth, but if they do win, they’ll have to do it without three key men in Kevin Muscat, Archie Thompson and Robbie Kruse.

Furthermore, Lugt’s fighting words were laced with a subtle hint that coach Vitezslav Lavicka – whose contract expires this March and who has been subject of much speculation after a disappointing season on the pitch - and the club could soon announce a long-term deal.

“Vitya deserves that more than anyone else,” Lugt added. “The guy is so focused and loyal and hard-working and professional. He deserves that.”

Lugt’s bullish Big Blue prediction is a calculated move away from the cautious public pronouncements of recent years. It is intended to presage a return to a bolder public persona that hopefully will help them reconnect with the Sydney market - particularly at the turnstiles.

The popular Dutchman expanded on this earlier this week. 

“It's really hit home to us this year that in order to survive in Sydney, you have to have a vibe about your product,'' he told Sebastian Hassett of the Sydney Morning Herald.

“The downward trend [in Sydney’s crowds] that began after 2007-8 is a serious issue and I have no doubt the lack of excitement and publicity has played a role…

"There are four-and-a-half million people here and every week we're competing against the beach, the lifestyle and everything else, not to mention the other codes, even if they are out of season.”

As for competing on the pitch, the current squad at the disposal of Lavicka, Lugt suggested, could undergo change over the course of the pre-season. But added: “It’s a continuous process.  

“We know by now what have been the causes of our performances this season so far. I hate the word excuses, I don’t look for excuses. We know what’s gone wrong.

"It’s not one single thing that’s gone wrong. Some [reasons] were semi in our control because you take decisions on who you let go and which you contract.”

In the absence of a football director/operations manager, Sydney FC use a collaborative process to their signings. A committee of board members, senior management and coaching staff are involved but the ultimate decision is taken by the coaching staff.

“I don’t like pointing fingers,” he added. “It’s nothing to do with that. You’ve taken decisions which every one at that point of time thought were the right decisions. We do know however that an incredible run of injuries have severely damaged our season.

“And we all know that Vitya put a lot of focus on getting Nick Carle. And Nick is the player which is essential in the centre of midfield and we actually see it now. We’ve seen in the last two games if he’s fit what difference he can make.”

Lugt added: “If we win on Saturday we’ll have a massive support traveling with us to Central Coast the following week. And [if victorious on Saturday], it will actually be for the first time in two  years we win three games in a row.

“So I’m very hopeful - actually more than that - I’m convinced we’ll beat Melbourne.”

* Meanwhile Melbourne Victory have revealed Adrian Leijer will miss the clash with a thigh injury and will be replaced by teenager Petar Franjic.

"Adrian Leijer has got a small tear in his quad, he got it in the first half of last week," coach Ernie Merrick said. "Petar Franjic will start this week in his place.

"Evan Berger's got a tight hamstring. So that's not worth the risk. From the squad last week, there's three changes. We're bringing in Tommy Pondeljak, Matthew Foschini and Petar Franjic."

To see Sydney training this week...