Lavicka backs Sydney FC to reach finals

Having strung together a few positive results recently, the seventh-placed Sky Blues are still very much in the finals mix, one point behind Heart (fifth) and Newcastle (sixth) in the A-League standings, with all three teams in action on Saturday.

The AAMI Park match will be made even more interesting as both teams know what is required at kick-off, with the Jets taking on Brisbane Roar at Ausgrid Stadium immediately before the Sky Blues clash with the Heart.

Lavicka said the Week 23 win over Melbourne Victory had provided a vital confidence boost.

"We all know our current situation," Lavicka said. "But after we beat Victory, the boys had a good performance that match and we picked up the three points and now we are more confident.

"But we know another tough game is coming this week, but they need to pick up the points as well.

"So it's going to be a very exciting game for both sides and a very important game for both sides."

If Brisbane beats Newcastle or the game finishes in a draw, it will all come down to the final round for Sydney, regardless of its result against Heart, with the Sky Blues due to take on Newcastle at Allianz Stadium in on 25 March.