Sydney and Perth both regard their A-league clash at the Sydney Football Stadium today as a massive game, with the NSW team desperate to improve on its miserable home form.
Last week's 5-2 thrashing by Newcastle represented Sydney's fifth loss in ten home games, only three of which it has won.
The crushing defeat bumped Sydney out of an all-important top-six placing.
Fourth-placed Perth comes to Sydney riding high on the back of an eight-match unbeaten streak.
Sydney coach Vitezslav Lavicka said every game was like a grand final for his club, while marquee player Brett Emerton attached enormous importance to today's clash.
''I think it's probably the most important game of our season so far,'' Emerton said.
''Perth are doing very well, but that doesn't mean that we can't go out here and get one over them, because I think historically we've done pretty well against them in the past, so I think we can do it again.
''It's a massive game on the weekend.''
Perth has scored 11 goals in its past three games, beating the three lowest teams on the ladder, but expects a far tougher assignment against Sydney.
''We know [today] is going to be a massive game,'' Perth midfielder Steven McGarry said. ''I think the situation there [Sydney] just now, there's a lot of pressure on their guys over there.
''They lost their last home game 5-2, so I'm sure those guys will be definitely wanting to rectify the situation there.''
Lavicka, who will leave Sydney at the end of the season, apologised for his side's ''embarrassing'' display against Newcastle. He said he had told his players not to give up on their season and pick themselves up physically and psychologically.
The previous match-ups between the sides this season resulted in a 1-0 win for Sydney in Perth and a 1-1 draw in Campbelltown. AAP
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