Sydney brace for Reds, then tough AL run

Jan 19, 2017 - 2:03 AM A massive next few weeks could prove vital to Sydney FC's push for the A-League Premiers' Plate, says goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.

The Sky Blues will host struggling Adelaide on Friday night with one eye on their following two games - high-profile away clashes with Melbourne Victory and Brisbane.

Second-placed Victory, now five points adrift, gifted leaders Sydney much-needed breathing space by losing to Wellington midweek and now face another tough trip to Perth.

Yet next week's blockbuster Australia Day Big Blue at Etihad Stadium has the potential to be the undoing of one of the league's top two teams, depending who reigns.

Sydney then meet the Roar at Suncorp Stadium and, after a home game with Wellington, face Western Sydney (away), Melbourne City (away) and Victory (home) in succession.

Graham Arnold's side have momentum and unbridled confidence in their corner, and with every win the coach's early-season 'Invincibles' tag appears less grandiose.

The glamour club are on 37 points with a goal difference of 27, and can still rack up another 36 points before the regular season is out.

But Vukovic said unfaltering focus would be key.

"We've got some big games," the in-form gloveman told AAP.

"The Australia Day clash against Victory is huge, then the following week we've got Brisbane away.

"So some tough games coming up. But every game is difficult, we just need to be prepared as best as we can."

First, Sydney's record-breaking unbeaten log will go on the line against Adelaide.

Arnold is adamant the looming Victory clash won't distract his high-flyers from getting the job done at Allianz Stadium.

The Reds may be second-last on goal difference and lagging 27 points behind, but Guillermo Amor's defending champions dismantled City 2-1 last week and played free-flowing football.

And while the Sky Blues were again defensively sturdy in Saturday's Sydney derby stalemate, they struggled to make headway in the other direction against Western Sydney.

"We just couldn't penetrate, we couldn't create too many things in the final third," said Vukovic, who made a late save to deny Wanderers forward Jaushua Sotirio.

"But a (ninth) clean sheet was a positive for us."

Midfielder Josh Brillante is set to return to the starting line-up after missing the derby through suspension.

"I'm very keen to get back," Brillante said.

"Being out suspended definitely sucks - it's hard watching the boys out there."

STATS THAT MATTER:

* Sydney are out to snatch consecutive wins against Adelaide for the first time since September 2008

* The Reds are undefeated in their last five regular-season excursions to face the Sky Blues, keeping a clean sheet each time

* Adelaide have hit the woodwork nine times this season, the most of any team though only once more than Sydney

Source: AAP