REF’s picks

The Sydney Derby usually brings intensity, and given Western Sydney Wanderers' recent high-scoring friendly matches, both teams scoring looks like a solid entry. While Sydney FC historically dominates this fixture, their own recent games have been tighter, so banking on both sides to find the net is a more reliable approach than backing a result in this season opener.

1. 1Wanderers have shown high attacking output in their recent friendlies, suggesting they are prepared to push forward.
2. 2Sydney FC holds a strong psychological edge in the derby, but the opening week of the season often leads to defensive lapses.
3. 3Derbies are inherently volatile, and reliance on either side to keep a clean sheet is risky given the historical goal-fest nature of this clash.

REF's own opinion, not a guarantee — nothing here is financial or betting advice, and the call is always yours.