Melbourne City brought the fire to the FFA Cup final but should think twice if they expect to physically dominate Sydney FC in Sky Blue territory, Graham Arnold says.

FFA Cup champions City looked to outmuscle the visitors at AAMI Park last Wednesday with an early Luke Brattan challenge on FC's Michael Zullo setting the tone and angering Sydney's bench.

Zullo was still sporting a nasty bruise at training a week after the encounter.

Sydney FC coach Arnold welcomed the prospect of a similar level of intensity when the sides meet in Friday's top-of-the table A-League clash.