Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers
Saturday October 21, 7:50 pm at Allianz Stadium, Moore Park.
Broadcast: Live on Channel One and Fox Sports 501. #SydneyDerby.
Likely teams
Sydney FC (4-2-3-1); Redmayne; Wilkshire, Buijs, Wilkinson, Zullo; Brillante, O'Neill; Carney, Brosque, Ninkovic; Bobo.
Western Sydney Wanderers (4-2-3-1): Janjetovic; Risdon, Hamill, Cornthwaite, Llorente; Herd, Baccus; Kusukami, Bonevacia, Cejudo; Riera.
Players to watch
Jordy Buijs, Sydney.
Flying start: Jordy Buijs has impressed early this season for Sydney FC. Photo: AAP
The Dutch defender is fitter, faster and stronger than last season and has impressed early this season. A match-up against the likes of Oriol Riera in a first ever home Sydney Derby will be his biggest test of the season thus far.
Alvaro Cejudo, Wanderers.
Extra value: Alvaro Cejudo arrived at Wanderers thanks to fellow marquee and former teammate Oriol Riera. Photo: Western Sydney Wanderers
The Spanish marquee was exhilarating in his home debut against Perth Glory but left fans wanting more from his second match against the Mariners. There will be an expectation for him to deliver against the Wanderers' arch rivals where he should be back at his best given his wealth of experience in pressure-cooker environments.
Key battle
Kearyn Baccus v Milos Ninkovic.
Western Sydney Wanderers' rising defensive midfielder was the best on ground as they stunned Sydney FC in the third derby of last season and will have to be at his industrious best again if he's to silence the reigning Johnny Warren medallist. With Polish international Adrian Mierzejewski in doubt to start on Saturday night, Ninkovic will carry the Sky Blues' creative game plan, operating as the architect of their fluid play. His ability to break free of the shackles of Baccus will prove how decisive he will be.
