Far from feeling sentimental, Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay is eyeing an overdue maiden win over long-time friend Steve Corica's Auckland FC as a launch pad back to the A-League Men's top spot.
Set to face off across the Tasman, a concerning form slump for an injury-ravaged Auckland outfit has presented the second-placed Sky Blues with their best opportunity yet.
Sydney FC have not beaten the Black Knights in any competition since Corica's men joined the league last season, first losing 1-0 before drawing twice across the league and Australia Cup.
But the Sky Blues could finally break through for victory on Saturday, with Auckland enduring a nightmare start to the new year.
The Black Knights led the league for a total of eight weeks by round 15, but lost top spot after a 2-1 away loss to Perth Glory last time out.
A groin injury to centre-back Nando Pijnaker only adds to Auckland's woes, with captain Hiroki Sakai (hamstring) and goalkeeper Oli Sail (knee) also sidelined.
Auckland's worrying patch of form has yielded just one win in six matches since their New Year's 3-1 loss to Newcastle.
The newly dubbed "Box Office Jets'' are the new No.1 outfit, after defeating Brisbane Roar to set a club record five-game winning streak.
Meanwhile, Sydney are second off the back of a 4-1 derby win.
If the Sky Blues can't get it done against Auckland on Saturday, they won't have to wait long, with a round-10 match rescheduled to February 17.
"Getting three points in this game becomes very important," Talay said on Thursday.
"And then playing that catch-up game against Auckland, getting those three points makes it very vital that we do jump over the Newcastle Jets with a game in hand.
"Most teams have been a little bit up and down, inconsistent within the competition.
"I still believe that they (Auckland) are a very experienced squad. They have very good depth in their squad and in the positions that players might be missing in."
Auckland's home form has also dropped off, from leading the league last season with 28 points, to just 11 this campaign.
A 30-year friendship adds extra spice to the cross-Tasman rivalry for Talay, who replaced Corica at the Sky Blues after a four-season stint coaching Wellington Phoenix.
"I've known Stevie for over 30 years. We've played together back in the old NSL days, played here at Sydney together," Talay said.
"Once the whistle goes, it turns Jekyll and Hyde - we both want to be successful. We both want to win.
"At the end of the day, we want to achieve big things this season."
With superstar striker Joe Lolley kept to limited minutes on return from a hamstring injury, Sydney are still on the hunt for more firepower.
Talay - who has a spare free visa spot - said there haven't been any concrete developments in their search for a striker or winger ahead of the transfer window's close next Tuesday.
Asked for a hint, Talay said: "No."
