Victory over the A-League leaders at Allianz Stadium on Sunday would start the sixth-placed Wanderers on a climb towards the top four with six rounds left to consolidate.

Josep Gombau's side have finally found some sorely needed momentum, with two wins and a draw in their last three outings.

And with it, the spark that could spring them into a late run on the hunt for a home final.

In Friday night's drama-packed 2-2 draw with Newcastle they looked far more like the title contenders they'd been labelled pre-season

"We should have won ... I left the stadium with that feeling, that we should have killed the game," Gombau said.

"Now we have a big game in the derby, a big opportunity to prove to ourselves that we are heading the right way."

If there was ever an occasion to topple Sydney it's this weekend, four days after the champions-elect play their second Asian Champions League fixture against Shanghai Shenhua in China.

The Sky Blues, who lost their ACL opener to Suwon Bluewings last week, don't arrive back in Australia until Friday morning, leaving little over two days to prepare for the season's third derby.

Overcome the fatigue and Graham Arnold's men can go as many as 14 points clear depending on the Jets' fortunes against Brisbane on Saturday.

Melbourne Victory are in the same boat, playing Shanghai SIPG in China on Tuesday night before backing up for Saturday's home clash against Adelaide United.

The Reds remain fourth thanks to their 10-man comeback 2-2 draw with Central Coast, while last-placed Wellington claimed their fourth win of the campaign reigning 2-1 over Perth.

The eighth-placed Glory have now lost seven of their last eight games to leave Kenny Lowe under immense pressure.

"We've got to finish chances and we can't give cheap goals away," Lowe said.

"It's really simple, it's not rocket science.

"There's seven games left and plenty to do."

Australian Associated Press