A late Michael McGlinchey header has earned Wellington Phoenix an unlikely 1-1 draw with A-League leaders Sydney FC at Westpac Stadium.

Sydney FC boss Graham Arnold instructed two players to deliberately get yellow cards so they would serve bans before the A-League finals.

Sydney FC are on the cusp of finishing the season as the best team in 40 years of national football after thumping Melbourne City 3-0.

Rhyan Grant and Danny Vukovic will be rushed straight back into the Sydney FC lineup for their match against Melbourne City on Saturday night after returning to training on Wednesday following international duty.

Sydney FC may have fallen marginally short of replicating Arsenal's Invincibles run. Yet captain Alex Brosque senses a rare opportunity that, if seized, could see his newly crowned premiers revered within A-League circles in much the same way.

Sydney FC is the club most likely to host the A-League grand final but the pitch could be in disarray with a Waratahs rugby match scheduled the night before.

Holosko's winner against Central Coast Mariners was a reason to celebrate for the coaching staff, sealing a move engineered on their training ground.

If it was a celebration Graham Arnold was fearing, then he need not have worried as Sydney cruised to a lackluster win in front of a small crowd to grasp one hand on the premiership.

Sydney FC could be handed their first trophy in seven years on Saturday night if results in other games go their way, but coach Graham Arnold says he won't let his players celebrate what would be an historic event.

Sydney FC goalkeeper Danny Vukovic thought his chances of playing for the Socceroos had come and gone after so many setbacks in his career.

Four Victorian men were arrested during the second half of Sydney FC's 1-0 win over Melbourne Victory and charged with affray following an ugly public brawl in Surry HIlls before Friday night's match.

Sydney FC captain Alex Brosque has told the club to make his contract negotiations their last priority of recruitment for next season, suggesting he is happy to be the final player to re-sign with the Sky Blues regardless of how much money is left in the salary cap. 

A year spent at Melbourne Victory and the knowledge of how coach Kevin Muscat likes to play may have been the secret to Danny Vukovic's defining save for Sydney FC to all-but clinch the premiership for the Sky Blues.

Sydney's first clean sweep of Melbourne Victory effectively sealed their first trophy in seven years with the Premiers' Plate in touching distance.

Fewest injuries, most goals scored late and fewest conceded in the second half suggests Sydney FC might be the fittest team in the A-League

In a historic moment for Australian football, Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory players will walk out behind a giant rainbow flag to show their support for LGBTIQ rights.

Sydney FC winger Bernie Ibini could be a surprise starter when they face Melbourne Victory at home on Friday night.

Graham Arnold's definition of becoming the greatest team in A-League history is whether Sydney FC can eclipse the points' record for a single season.

Sydney FC's marquee Bobo wasn't getting enough possession this season because his mobility was of a standard none of his teammates were used to.

Western Sydney Wanderers have issued a public apology to Sydney's FC coach Graham Arnold after their supporters unveiled an offensive banner during last week's Sydney derby. 

• COMMENT

It's the height of naivety to think the Wanderers and the FFA have now solved the problem. What the FFA should've done is apply the blowtorch to this "supporters group" that's got much more in common with a disorganised crime gang on a rampage, in terms of violence, intimidation and disrespect for societal norms.

The lewd fan banner depicting Graham Arnold in a sex act has made the Sydney FC coach's daughters reluctant to attend any more A-League Sydney derbies.

• COMMENT

The sexually explicit banner displayed at the Sydney derby must be the final, final, final straw.

Western Sydney Wanderers could face disciplinary measures after their supporters unveiled an offensive banner during Saturday night's derby.

Sydney FC's hopes of finishing the season as invincibles came crashing down to earth after Brendon Santalab seals a thrilling win for the Wanderers.

While the Western Sydney Wanderers team song was echoing across the change rooms after full-time in the Sydney A-League derby, the referee at the centre of their controversial win was quietly apologising to Sydney FC.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold doesn't mind causing a stir, but his pre-match comments before Saturday night's Sydney derby caught everyone off guard.

Sydney FC are a team based on imitation, which is why Josh Brillante is the Sky Blues' answer to Chelsea's "water carrier" N'Golo Kante.

Are Sydney FC that good, or is the rest of the A-League that bad?