Sydney FC coach Vitezslav Lavicka says it’s “like a grand final” but the Sky Blues may be without marquee star Brett Emerton for Sunday’s A-League clash with Gold Coast. Emerton was rested from training on Friday after aggravating a lingering ankle problem in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Perth Glory in Campbelltown.

Lavicka said the Socceroos star would make his own call on whether to play at the Sydney Football Stadium but hinted he could sit out and be saved for Thursday’s blockbuster against Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park.