Sydney FC defender Alex Wilkinson admits Melbourne Victory did his team a big favour but he's well aware they could snatch it away again this week.
Victory's 2-0 win over ladder leaders Perth Glory on Saturday breathed fresh life into second-placed Sydney FC's quest for a record extending third-consecutive Premiers Plate.
The Sky Blues are six points behind Perth with four rounds remaining.
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Glamour clubs Sydney and third-placed Victory meet in the latest edition of their Big Blue rivalry at the SCG on Saturday.
Kevin Muscat's champions are only one point behind Sydney and hell bent on overtaking their hosts.
If Sydney FC can retain momentum and the leaders continue to stumble, the Sky Blues' penultimate round home clash with the Glory on April 18 could yet prove decisive.
Wilkinson doesn't mind acknowledging the battle for top spot is on Sydney's radar as they prepare to face Victory.
"We've had some great battles against Melbourne Victory over the years," Wilkinson said on Monday.
"It's one that we always look forward to and hopefully we can come away with a very important three points.
"We're still pushing for that top spot though and Victory did us a bit of favour over the weekend by beating Perth, because it gets us that little bit closer.
"We still think we are a good chance of gaining that Premiers Plate until it becomes mathematically impossible, and if we can keep building and winning games it will be all to play for against Perth in a few weeks."