Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold says there is "no bigger and better competitive game than the Big Blue" in the A-League.
The Big Blue between Sydney and Melbourne has become one of the fiercest rivalries in the league and also one of the most entertaining, with 18 goals scored in the last three regular season games between the two teams.
“We both go at each other. There's no bigger and better competitive game than the Big Blue, Sydney against Melbourne Victory,” Arnold said on Monday.
“Last year we had two 3-3 draws against them, both great games. The 0-0 draw was a fantastic 0-0 and could have been anything and this year the first game was 4-2."
Despite the Victory winning 4-2 in their last match and winning the Grand Final 3-0 last May, Arnold is confident his team can turn the tables on the reigning champion.
"We have a great belief in this squad that we're going in the right direction and we have the quality players to do damage to Melbourne Victory and we have to go down there and prove it.
"We go to Etihad tomorrow, most of the time we have played them at AAMI.
“Etihad's a bigger stadium, less intimidating. Obviously Melbourne Victory are a very good side but we're very confident in our own ability as well.
“You saw last week the pride that team has especially within the playing group…they destroyed Brisbane."
The two teams face off at Etihad Stadium on Australia Day at 7.30pm.
