Western Sydney are thirsting for more than just A-League Women bragging rights when they take on bitter rivals Sydney FC.
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The Wanderers are a chance of making finals for the first time in four years and it's the Sky Blues who stand in their way.
Robbie Hooker's charges sit just outside the top six on goals scored and having played a game less than the three teams above them, a win over their cross-city enemies at home will mean the Wanderers climb to fifth.
Well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead, defender Vicky Bruce says her side have moved on quickly from their 4-0 thrashing by Melbourne Victory.
This campaign has been the side's strongest since the 2019/20 season, when they were led by current Matildas stars Courtney Nevin and Kyra Cooney-Cross.
Now following newly minted Matilda Sophie Harding, the Wanderers have recorded their equal-most wins and the most points in their ALW history.
Kicking off the Sydney derby double-header, Bruce is adamant the hosts won't go down without a fight at CommBank Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
"This game was already going to be so important and now it means that much more for us," she said on Thursday.
"Now we're not only potentially going to be top six or making the finals but we have the chance to make history as a club and potentially get the furthest we've ever gotten.
"It's driving us every single weekend."
Western Sydney last came out on top in the derby in 2019, having most recently fallen 2-0 in this season's opening round.
Still, Bruce remains bullish about emerging victorious this weekend.
Despite third-placed Sydney FC only conceding 12 goals in 16 games, the Wanderers are hopeful of breaching their defence with Harding at her best alongside gun midfielder Holly Caspers.
"In our past we've lost before to them so it means that much more if you're the underdog and you haven't done it in several years," Bruce said.
"All the more reason to win in front of our crowd, our fans and just have a blast and make history."
League leaders Western United kick off the round hosting bottom side Canberra United, while second-placed Melbourne City look to get back on track when they go toe-to-toe with Brisbane on Saturday.
On Sunday, Melbourne Victory host Wellington, Central Coast tackle Adelaide United and Newcastle take on struggling Perth.
Australian Associated Press
