Sydney FC may have maintained their impressive home record with victory over Brisbane last week, but their performance was less than convincing and they will need to show significant improvement if they are to see off the challenge of super-confident Wellington Phoenix. And although Viteszlav Lavicka’s side are sitting pretty at the top of the ladder, the Czech coach is still keen to draft in a guest player within the next couple of weeks. The club have denied making an approach to re-sign former favourite Dwight Yorke who was guest of honour at last week’s game against Brisbane.

Phoenix boss Ricki Herbert, meanwhile, has remained characteristically level-headed in the wake of his side’s spectacular trouncing of Gold Coast, praising his players for their performance, but stressing that they still have plenty to do in order to secure finals football. Like Sydney, the Kiwi outfit remain keen to secure the services of a high-profile overseas star and have admitted that they are exploring the possibility of bringing Brazilian playmaker Fred back to Westpac Stadium. Currently plying his trade in the United States for Major League Soccer outfit DC United, the 30-year-old is said to be interested in returning to Wellington as the club’s permanent marquee signing.

Sydney FC may not have won too many plaudits for their playing style so far this term, but they have won plenty of games, especially at home and they deserve favouritism again this week. Wellington were superb last time out, but Gold Coast did implode in the second-half and Sydney are unlikely to be as generous defensively.

It’s shaping up to be a tight tussle, but Sydney may just edge it.

Prediction: Sydney FC 2-1 Wellington Phoenix