Skipper Popovic, 35, is under an injury cloud himself but is likely to play as Sydney is forced into throwing a youthful first XI in against the seasoned season two champions at the SFS.

Around seven players are missing from John Kosmina's first team squad, including marquee signing John Aloisi, Alex Brosque and Stuart Musialik.

"There's a good camaraderie with us and on the field you want to be able to rely on your mate when times are tough," Popovic told au.fourfourtwo.com.

"Championships are won on days when things aren't happening. You grit your teeth, stick together and grind out a result. It's those kind of results that win you championships."

Chris Payne, Shannon Cole, Adam Biddle and Ryan Walsh are some of the less experienced players who are set to see some game time against Ernie Merrick's men.

"These young boys will come in this week, probably a lot of them and there'll be no pressure," said Popovic.

"There out there because they're good enough and now they've got to show it."

Robbie Middleby, who is set to provide much of the thrust down Sydney's left side, added that striker Payne can make his mark on the big day.

"I think he has the capabilities," Middleby told au.fourfourtwo.com. "I'm quite confident in him that he can handle the pressure that comes with it and the big crowd.

"And our team can handle it. We've been in pressure situations before. I remember a few years ago we had Justin Pasfield who was the only player we had on the bench. And we went to Newcastle and got a result.

"I don't see us as underdogs. The respect we have for each other means we can get through this game."