IT IS the A-League local derby between the high-flying Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers on Saturday at Pirtek Stadium, Parramatta.
In just the third season of the A-League derbies between the two high-profile teams and the clash has a strong local flavour.
Sutherland Shire juniors Alex Gersbach, 17, of Sydney FC, and goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis, 24, of the Wanderers are ready.
Bouzanis, of Cronulla, said he won't know if will take the field.
"I won't know if I am in the team until Friday," Bouzanis said.
He is desperate to have his name read out by coach Tony Popovic.
The Wanderers, a revelation after just 2½ years, with two grand final appearances, and a premiership and an Asian Champions League title under their belt, haven't won a game so far this season.
This is Bouzanis' first season with the Wanderers, after a long stint in England.
"I went to England when I was 15, and I haven't played in a derby as yet," Bouzanis said.
"I didn't play in the first game this season."
Sydney FC won that game 3-2 at Allianz Stadium.
Bouzanis knows teenager left back Gersbach well.
"I played with his brother Josh at Sydney Olympic," Bouzanis said.
"I am good mates with Josh and Alex and I know their family."
Gersbach, 17, has just completed what he says was the biggest examination of his life away from football, the HSC.
"Doing the HSC is tougher," Gersbach quipped.
Gersbach signed with Sydney FC in the off-season and coach Graham Arnold is schooling him for A-League. can provide.
"I went to the local derbies supporting Sydney FC as a fan," Gersbach said.
"But it's different playing in them and in the A-League. The standard keeps getting better and better. I played in the first derby this season and that was an experience."
Gersbach went to St Pat's at Sutherland and completed his HSC by distance education.
"Last year I was at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra," he said.
The teenager played in Sutherland junior representative teams and his club side, Miranda Magpies.
Match kick-off is at 7.30pm.
Who do you think will win the A-league derby between Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers?
