Sydney FC midfielder Nick Carle feels the club is on its way back to the top of the A-League table.
One of the A-League powerhouses, the Sky Blues had a tough time of it last season after taking out the 2009/10 championship but Carle says this season will atone for their poor performances in recent times.
"I expect us to be where we should be, especially after last year," Carle told AAP on Tuesday. "We're a team that needs to be up the top."
And the former Crystal Palace man was eagerly anticipating the opening 2011/12 A-League game which will pit Sydney, with new recruit Brett Emerton in tow, against arch rivals Melbourne Victory and their star signing Harry Kewell.
"I think teams take a lot of confidence out of their first game of the season so I feel it's a massive game for us," Carle added, referring to the October 8 season opener.
"Obviously with the Harry and Brett thing as well it's going to put a lot of emphasis on the game.
"I think media wise it's brilliant, but for us as a club it's about winning that game and making sure we start strong and hopefully we're all fit and ready to go."