While there is no extra motivation required in a derby, defending champions Sydney FC will be a hunted team in 2017/18 after their record-breaking exploits in the Hyundai A-League last season.
And with the first Sydney Derby against Western Sydney Wanderers set for round 3 at Allianz Stadium, fans won’t have to wait long for one of the Hyundai A-League’s most anticipated fixtures.
SYDNEY DERBY FIXTURES 2017/18 SEASON
Round 3 – Allianz Stadium, Saturday October 21, 2017
Round 10 – ANZ Stadium, Saturday December 9, 2017
Round 21 – Allianz Stadium, Sunday February 25, 2018
Your club’s blockbuster home matches
HONOURS EVEN LAST SEASON
Sydney FC may have swept all before them last season but it was the Wanderers who caused them the most problems, with Tony Popovic’s side handing the Sky Blues their only loss of the campaign in round 20.
However, the Sky Blues comfortably won the opening fixture 4-0 in Round 1 in front of a record-breaking 61,880 fans at ANZ Stadium.
The other clash between the two sides in round 15 ended 0-0.
What does the 2017/18 edition have in store?
CAN SYDNEY GO BACK-TO-BACK?
Graham Arnold has done a brilliant job of keeping the majority of his championship-winning squad together meaning the Sky Blues will be a hot chance of claiming back-to-back titles.
Johnny Warren Medallist Milos Ninkovic and marquee striker Bobo are back for another season, while expect to see some fresh additions in wide areas following the departures of Filip Holosko and Bernie Ibini.
Wanderers boss Tony Popovic has stuck true to form and set about another overhaul of his squad with the likes of Mitch Nichols, Dimas, Bruno Pinatares and Scott Neville all leaving the club.
The meticulous Popovic will once again rebuild his squad with the pursuit of a maiden Hyundai A-League title firmly on his mind, following three previous grand final defeats.
Hyundai A-League draw: early season guide
And after facing Perth (home) and Central Coast Mariners (home) in the opening two weeks, Popovic’s side will face a real litmus test when they tackle Sydney FC in round 3.
Sydney FC take on Victory (away) and Wellington Phoenix (home) to kick off their season before meeting their arch rivals in what promises to be a cracker at Allianz Stadium.
