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AAP
AAP
Sophia McCaughan

Lolley confident as Talay's energy fuels Sydney FC

Sydney FC coach Ufuk Talay is looking forward to his first ALM derby against the Wanderers. (Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS)

In four A-League Men Sydney derbies, Sky Blues' goal-scoring machine Joe Lolley is yet to find the back of the net.

And while the Englishman admits it would be nice to break that duck against Western Sydney on Saturday night, he has the bigger picture in mind.

"Yeah, it'd be nice (to score), it's not the be all and end all," Lolley told AAP on Thursday.

"We'll just be happy to come off with a win."

Sydney FC are looking for back-to-back derbies victories after winning 2-1 in May to knock the Wanderers out of the finals.

Lolley is confident his side can beat the current table-toppers, given the clash will be played at their Allianz Stadium home ground.

"It is such a big crowd, such a great atmosphere and hopefully we can get the win," Lolley said.

"It'd be nice to score, always nice to score in any game, but especially a game of such significance."

Joe Lolley.
Joe Lolley scored twice against Adelaide United last time out for Sydney FC. (Matt Turner/AAP PHOTOS)

Lolley is determined to kick on after his performance against Adelaide United last round, which yielded two goals and two assists and man-of-the-match honours.

"I've been working hard in training, just looking to carry on from two weeks ago against Adelaide," he said.

That was Sydney's first win of the ALM season, with the immediate impact of new coach Ufuk Talay on full display as the Sky Blues won 5-1.

The 31-year-old says Talay has instilled a new sense of vigour and refreshing vitality into the team.

"To have that fresh energy can help a lot of players and bring their energy levels a bit higher," Lolley said.

"Everyone's just been rejuvenated and excited and ready to go."

It will be Talay's first game as boss in front of home fans, with the former midfielder telling media he's looking forward to the challenge.

"This is my first game at home in front of our members and fans," he said.

"A fantastic opportunity to play against a quality side ... looking forward to the challenge."

Sydney FC confirmed that forward Robbie Mak would be included in the line-up alongside Olyroo Jordan Courtney-Perkins, after both returned from international duties on Wednesday evening.

Defender Rhyan Grant also returns to the starting 11 after taking personal leave for the birth of his child.

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