Syd FC expect tight A-League affair v Roar

Defender Matt Jurman is expecting unbeaten Sydney FC to smash more late winners in a tight A-League clash with Brisbane.

In all three of the Sky Blues' victories so far, their winning goals have come in the final 10 minutes, and a confident Jurman predicts a similar pattern in Friday night's top-of-the-table showdown at Allianz Stadium.

"I think it will be pretty tight, mainly in the first half," he said on Thursday.

"Maybe in the second half, it might open up a little bit."

Sydney's encounters with Brisbane are typically high-scoring affairs, their last meeting in March a 5-4 goalmania in favour of the Sky Blues.

But Jurman, who previously played for the Roar under Socceroos coach Ange Postecoglou, believes much has changed in his current camp when it comes to keeping opposition out.

Coach Graham Arnold has hailed the defensive efforts of the team this campaign, last week singling out Jurman as his best performer so far.

Jurman feels in the finest form of his career, evidenced by his league-high 31 intercepts and second-placed 19 clearances.

"We've got the best defensive record in the league, and we're very confident going into tomorrow night's game," he said.

"(But) it's a team effort. It's easier for me at the back when the boys are playing so well further up and to the side of me."

Ladder leaders Sydney are favourites to reign supreme over Brisbane, only one point behind them in second, although they will be sorely tested by flashy young forwards Brandon Borrello and Jamie Maclaren who have seven goals between them.

And there's no doubt they are the hunted.

"It's always nice when you're at the top," Jurman said.

"Every team can win on the day and the table is only new - it's only five weeks in.

"We've got to be tight. Every week, everyone wants to beat you anyway, so every week you've got to be on your toes and make sure you get results."