There's nothing to play for when the Western Sydney Wanderers play Perth Glory at Parramatta Stadium on Saturday afternoon – but don't tell that to either side.
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This will mark the end to the Glory's season, an abrupt halt to a campaign that began brightly but was derailed when they were kicked out of the finals for breaching the salary cap.
However, they have committed to playing for pride and for accumulating as many points as possible – they even toppled finals-bound Melbourne City 3-1 last week – even if the FFA has already designated them seventh position.
For Tony Popovic's side, it's about avoiding a desperately unwanted destiny. A win would see them steer clear of last place – an extraordinary fall considering they were crowned the best team in the continent barely five months ago.
Last week's 2-1 win over Adelaide United hoisted the Wanderers one point clear of Newcastle, who would need to beat Brisbane on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium to give themselves any hope.
"No one wants to have that tag against their name, and it's up to us tomorrow to get the result we need to avoid that bottom place," Popovic said. "We've put ourselves in a position that we can avoid the wooden spoon, that's the most important thing. We did that against Adelaide and it's in our hands to not finish bottom.
While it's the final match of the season for Perth, the Wanderers still have one last Asian Champions League group match, away to title favourites Guangzhou Evergrande.
Only then will they get an extended break after a taxing campaign that has seen them regularly play three matches per week, all while managing an incredibly long injury list.
The Glory may see their team broken up in the coming weeks with the club's salary cap breaches allowing the players to seek new homes if they desire.
"Knowing Kenny, knowing a lot of the senior players there, they'll want to finish the season on a high here in Sydney, and we expect a really tough game," Popovic said. "Both teams will go out to try and win. We're desperate to win at home, we'll give it everything we have, and then we'll focus on that next big challenge."
Captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley is back for the Wanderers with midfield pair Nick Kalmar and Iacopo La Rocca also returning after missing the match against Adelaide, although Romeo Castelen is out out injured.
Perth have brought in three of their best players, with Rostyn Griffiths – who is seeking a move to Europe – Nebojsa Marinkovic and Scott Jamieson all selected.
