Kevin Muscat's Victory thrashed AFC Champions League finalists Western Sydney Wanderers 4-1 in round one, highlighting just how dangerous they will be this season.
Marquee signing Besart Berisha made a bright start to life at the club, scoring a penalty and setting up a goal in the resounding win.
But Josep Gombau's Adelaide, arguably Victory's fiercest rivals, were impressive in a 2-1 victory against defending champions Brisbane Roar.
Both teams will be keen to keep possession and press, much like Adelaide's clash against Brisbane.
Victory's potent attack of Berisha, Gui Finkler, Archie Thompson and Kosta Barbarouses gives them an edge, even away from home on Friday.
"It's a big game and I always want to be involved in these games," he said.
"That's why I play football to play as much as possible. I heard [the derby] is pretty big and a lot of people are coming, about 40,000 come to the games and obviously it's a Sydney derby so it must be big."
Sydney were denied by David Villa in the opening round, with Spain's all-time leading goalscorer equalising for Melbourne City in a 1-1 draw.
