Sydney derby can't come quick enough

Let's face it. One phenomenal crowd does not a successful marquee make. 35k has hastily become fifteen due to the 'Sydney-effect'; fairweather, event-oriented fans that once again don't see Sydney FC matches as worthy of their time and hard earned. It's why the club is being slightly vague on whether they'll take the second year option on Del Piero's contract.

Credit: Kristy Beck

Enter Sydney derby round deux, this time held on FC home turf at Allianz Stadium. It's going to be massive.

Regardless of how the teams line up, who the coaches are, or whether a certain marquee is involved, this tri-season event has the city's attention.

And thank goodness for that. Despite impressive on-field contributions and commendable community engagement, the Sky Blues are reassessing their position on Alé Del Piero after the city's attention has foreseeably waned. It's extremely surprising, given that the Italian star has been the only thing holding this team together for the past ten rounds. Frankly, they'd be insane not to extend his contract.

But for the derby it matters not, pre-purchased tickets are selling well without the guarantee of marquee names. For this fixture at least the reason to attend is to support the team.

Fourth placed Wanderers look the more likely to take points and level the derby score to one apiece. Then again, the Sky Blues have Frank Farina.