Popovic was defiant, even by his standards, when asked whether he had any fears about playing the powerhouse of Saudi football in the cauldron of the 65,000 seater King Fahd Stadium. He was reminded often about Al-Hilal's impressive home record which includes big wins against the likes of Bunyodkor, Al-Sadd and Al-Ain and what awaits him on Saturday night.

There was a sense that local fans and media are expecting another whitewash when Western Sydney Wanderers enter the monolithic arena, but Popovic boldly informed them that he has no nerves ahead of the match.

"Should I be nervous?" Popovic said. "No I'm never nervous. When you have belief in your team, belief in your squad, there is no fear for me. I respect them - of course I respect them because they're in the final but fear is a big word for me."

Al-Hilal is a squad rich in Saudi internationals and boasts Brazilian recent national team player Thiago Neves. By contrast, Popovic was asked what his "Sydney" team has to counter that. His reply?

"Sydney's weapon is an excellent team. A team that is in the final, a team that deserves to be here. a team that has belief to win and has the quality to win. That's what Sydney has," he said.

Popovic's assurance will be further boosted by the fact all players are fit and available selection including striker Brendon Santalab who has struggled with a shoulder injury in the build-up. Defender Matthew Spiranovic is also a chance to start while Tomi Juric appears a certainty to lead the Wanderers attack.

"All the players are good, all the players are here fit and ready and available for selection tomorrow," Popovic said.