Instead, we're off to Parramatta Stadium, and if you've got a ticket, well done. If you don't, good luck. From a theatrical point of view, it would have been marvellous to stage the game at a bigger stadium. But could there be a more fitting place for the Wanderers to etch their name on the Premier's Plate? Most definitely not. And how they will love to rub Sydney's noses in it, too, if they do come away with the win. It has the potential to be one of the most memorable days in the long history of football in the region. You can just about bet that the Wanderers will sell more reserve seat memberships next season than any club except Melbourne Victory, too. After all, who would dare want to miss out on anything like this season? It is an incredible legacy being written by Popovic and his men.

But the stick in the mud could well be the Sky Blues - and how they would love to spoil the party. A win would not only deny their rivals the title but would ensure their participation in the finals. With the way the finals are structured this year, there is every chance they would meet the Wanderers in the second or third week (that's also a grand final this year) of the play-offs. That's a prospect beyond salivating. As if Sydney didn't have enough to play for already? They've got form, too, having gone west in round three and pinched the points after Alessandro Del Piero converted the rebound after Ante Covic blocked his penalty. It may well be Del Piero who needs to produce his best for Sydney to have a chance. He wasn't at his best against Melbourne Victory on Saturday night and that probably cost the Sky Blues all three points.

It is tough to criticise the Italian, for all he has contributed this season, but he will be stewing over that missed penalty and a late chance he would usually bury with his eyes closed. There are so many sub-plots beyond Del Piero that, no matter what happens, it's going to be a derby to remember. Sydney face a desperate Brisbane Roar in the final round - in front of a vocal Suncorp Stadium crowd, no less - so they really need to push the Wanderers all the way. They need to be smarter than Melbourne Heart, who, after an inventive opening half, soon collapsed into the Wanderers' trap at AAMI Park. Popovic's men hung in when it mattered most and when they advanced to a 2-1 lead, put their foot on the hosts' throat.

Following Iacopo La Rocca's delightful curling effort to seal the win, only fine saves by Andrew Redmayne from shots by Mark Bridge and La Rocca again prevented the score line from becoming embarrassing. That's how the Wanderers do business. That the conditions (atrocious) and the venue didn't bother them shows how resilient they've become. They will go in as favourites for the derby and every observer around the country will expect them to take the points. Western Sydney have met every challenge so far and answered every critic. Loading But it should be noted that Sydney have, in recent seasons, been at their best when their backs were against the wall. That's where they stand right now.

Let the countdown begin.