"That’s what I’ve always done in my career. I have never really got an abundance of chances but I just tend to score the ones that come my way," Le Fondre said.

By contrast, no player has been presented with more chances than Western Sydney's marquee this season. Riera has had 30 attempts –11 more than his opposite number – for three goals.

Netting one in every 10 has been a point of frustration for Riera this season. The former youth teammate of Lionel Messi has bemoaned his fortune in front of goal but remains far from dis-heartened. The experienced striker knows this ratio is a reflection of the new-look Wanderers still finding their feet under new management and with plenty of new personnel add to their final third this season.

"You have to put it into context," he said. "We are still learning about everyone that is now playing because sometimes the wingers are changing a lot with injuries. You have to learn from each one, trust ourselves and then everything will come."

You have to put it into context. We are still learning about everyone that is now playing.

Oriol Riera

He learned that patience from last season. Despite finishing the campaign as the club's record scorer for a single season across all competitions with 19, Riera endured a sluggish start that mirrored the early upheaval at the Wanderers.

"I only scored my fifth goal on January 1," he said.

Despite his misfortune in front of goal this season, Reira's overall play has drawn plaudits from his p

eers. He's ever-industrious, is combining well with his fellow forwards and is earning the cliche from his coach, pleased Reira is getting in the right areas in front of goal. He  knows it's only a matter of time before the goals flow, hopefully starting on Saturday night.

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"I have to be calm, keep focused and be ready for all this season and everything will be good if the team is improving."

Le Fondre is under no illusions the Sky Blues  have been far from their best as a   unit. Three pedestrian performances in as many games have seen Sydney lose pace with league leaders Perth Glory and left them in the  unfamiliar position of being out of form heading into a derby, but Le Fondre is only too happy to handle the responsibilty that will fall on his shoulders.

"Actually I relish that, I see it as a chance to be the hero," he said. "I’ve always been the one who wants to score the goals. For me as a footballer, especially as a striker, that’s what I live for. That’s my bread and butter."