Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold refuses to look too far ahead

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold is refusing to look too far ahead in the race for the Premiers Plate.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold celebrates last week’s win over Adelaide United.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold is refusing to look too far ahead as his team prepare to take what could be a significant step towards winning the club’s first trophy since 2010.

Already eight points clear at the top of the table after an unbeaten 16-match streak, the Sky Blues have the chance to stretch that to 11 points when they play their nearest rivals Melbourne Victory in what is looming as one of the most pivotal games of the season at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.

Kevin Muscat’s Victory side, their pride hurting after successive losses to Wellington and Perth, need to win not just to stay in touch with their traditional rivals but to keep Melbourne City at bay in the race for the top two.

But it is Sydney who stand to benefit the most if they can secure the three points and continue on their remarkable winning way.

With 10 rounds left after this week’s matches, a win in Melbourne would just about hand them the Premiers Plate trophy and their first piece of silverware since they won the Premiership-Championship double in 2010 — the season Victory finished second in the regular season before also losing the grand final to the Sydneysiders in a penalty shootout at Etihad.

However, Arnold insisted yesterday that the Premiers Plate was not even in his thinking.

“It’s the old cliche but this is one game at a time for us. We are not even thinking about it,” a relaxed Arnold said.

“It is just a matter of going on and winning every game. That’s the plan.

“We know Melbourne will come out fighting and we’re ready for that fight.

“We’ve got the players who are prepared for anything. It will be a big occasion, Australia Day and all.

“It will be a challenge. Is it our biggest challenge? No, because every game is tough, every game is a challenge in this league.”

Asked about the pressure being on Victory to stay in the Premiers Plate fight, Arnold said the pressure would more likely be on the Victorians as they try to avoid losing three in a row.

“I think it is more about them not losing. They have Melbourne City hot on their tail, but that’s more for them, not us,” Arnold said. “I’m not bothered about them. It’s more about concentrating on us.

“We’ve had a couple of very good training sessions and the boys are in a wonderful head space. They are confident, healthy and fit.”

Arnold said he was ready for the battle against his mate Muscat. “I know Musky well. He’s very passionate and gets the best out of his players, but that’s no big deal for us,” Arnold added. “That’s the way it is. You always expect a tough game against Melbourne Victory.”

Apart from the absence of Rhyan Grant through suspension, the Sydney boss will have a full complement of players available for selection, including new signing Jordy Buijs.

Arnold said the Dutch defender would be part of the squad after his overseas clearance and visa came through on Monday.

However, Buijs is unlikely to start as Josh Brillante, normally a midfielder, is expected to fill in for Grant at rightback. “Josh has had plenty of experience in that role. He played there during his time in Italy and has played it in the A-League,” Arnold said. “We have other options as well with Aaron Calver a possibility.