Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory Saturday, 7.45pm, Allianz Stadium
Tiago Calvano v Archie Thompson: Nobody loves these games more than Thompson. His record in the Big Blue is unparalleled, scoring nine goals in the clashes since the league began in 2005. He's in brilliant form this season and after making his way back from injury, appears the man that Sydney have to stop. Calvano has scarcely convinced this season but he helped Sydney to a clean sheet last week and if he wants to keep his spot, he has to step up again.
Alessandro Del Piero v Leigh Broxham: It seems implausible that these two would ever share a football field together but you've got to hand it to Broxham. Not only has he earned a new three-year deal but his performances this season have seem him become a regular in the starting line-up for the Victory. He even scored with his head last week - a most remarkable occurrence. But does he have it in his locker to keep the great man quiet?
Brett Emerton v Marco Rojas: Nobody needs to fire a bigger shot this week than Emerton. Holger Osieck dumped him without ceremony from the Socceroos and he's also come under fire from his critics on TV - including Mark Bosnich - and in the stands. He needs to stand up and make himself count. The veteran will most likely start on the left, meaning he needs to drop back and help Rhyan Grant combat Rojas's brilliant wide play.
Melbourne Heart v Western Sydney Wanderers Saturday, 5.30pm, AAMI Park
Simon Colosimo v Mark Bridge: These two signed on the same day for Sydney FC in 2008 and experienced their greatest high when they won the championship two years later. While their paths have been mixed since then, and they've since found new homes, they face off in an intriguing battle here. Bridge plays wide on the left and drifts in, but Colosimo will know how he plays and will be keen to shut down his former teammate.
Aaron Mooy v Matt Thompson: It's not quite the the master and the apprentice, but Mooy will be up against it in trying to overcome Thompson - a skilful and canny midfielder with 200 A-League games to his name. However, Mooy is nothing if not a raw, potentially magnificent talent, and if he can get the better of the 30-year-old, he'll go a long way to helping his side to victory.
Andrew Redmayne v Ante Covic: The jury has been out on Redmayne this season, not least because he's knocked out club favourite, Clint Bolton, from the top keeper's position at the Heart. He needs to cement himself as a true No.1 and keeping a clean sheet against the Wanderers would do wonders for his cause. On the flip side, Covic's form is excellent, and the Wanderers will rely on him to fire again this week.
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