IT’S still three weeks away, but the jabs are already flying ahead of the FFA Cup’s major Sydney Derby later this month.

Sydney United will host A-League heavyweights Sydney FC at Edensor Park in the round of 16 clash on September 23 in a dream draw for the inaugural competition.

But United coach Mark Rudan has already ruffled some Sky Blue feathers.

The former Sydney FC captain has called on Western Sydney Wanderers fans to get behind his team as they look to record an upset.

Edensor Park, situated in Sydney’s west, has a capacity of 12,000 and Rudan hopes the passionate Wanderers faithful come out in their numbers to back the region.

media_camera Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold

“It will be one hell of a place for them to visit with a vocal crowd, and I’m really hoping some of the Wanderers fans come out too,” Rudan said.

“We’re very much part of the region, we represent it, and I can’t think of anything better for them than to support a club from their area facing their arch rivals.”

The call for red and black support hasn’t gone down too well over at Moore Park, with Sky Blues coach Graham Arnold expressing his surprise.

Rudan made over 60 appearances for Sydney FC and was part of the club’s inaugural team back in 2005. He skippered the side that went on to win the first ever A-League title that season.

“Like me, I’m sure a lot of Sydney FC members and supporters will be surprised with those comments from Mark Rudan,” Arnold said.

“The club has done a lot for Mark and he is held in very high esteem by the Sydney FC fans. I thought he would have been appealing for more Sydney FC and neutral fans to come out for the game rather than Western Sydney Wanderers supporters, especially after the relationship he has had with the club.”

Meanwhile, the home of former A-League club Gold Coast United will get a taste of the FFA Cup.

The FFA has decided that Palm Beach Sharks will host South Springvale at Cbus Super Stadium because their regular ground failed to meet the standards required.

It will be the first national-level football match held at the venue since March 2012, when the now defunct Gold Coast United played their final A-League match.