Rudan excited for ALM derby debut

He might be a Sydney FC hall of fame member but Western Sydney coach Mark Rudan is itching to get one over his old club in Saturday's A-League Men derby.

Rudan was a member of Sydney's foundation squad in the inaugural ALM season in 2005 and captained the club regularly during a two-and-a-half season spell that included the 2005-06 grand-final win.

One thing Rudan never got to experience during his time at the club though was a Sydney derby, with the Wanderers not joining the competition until after his retirement.

Now in charge of the Wanderers, the 46-year-old is excited to get a taste of being part of the derby from the dugout.

"I certainly am. I was quite envious because the Wanderers weren't around when I was playing and to see that as a fan and a lover of the game was sensational over the years," Rudan said.

"Now you get to participate in it or be a part of it as a coach this time.

"I'm looking forward to it. I'm sure the players and the fans in particular are looking forward to it as well.

"Hopefully the game goes ahead and it'll be a special day from that point of view because the Sydney derbies have always been top class and one that you always mark your calendar for at the start of the year.

"Hopefully it's no different Saturday night, particularly at home."

Sydney's heavy rain forced last weekend's home game against Wellington to be postponed with Commbank Stadium unable to drain properly.

More rain is forecast for Saturday around Parramatta but the ALM confirmed on Friday the match will go ahead as scheduled.

Rudan confirmed English international Jack Rodwell was unlikely to play as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury while Sydney are contemplating handed an ALM debut to Dutch import Luciano