Sydney FC have managed to sell only 1400 tickets for today's huge game against Perth Glory, which will be played at Parramatta Stadium for the first time this season.

The lack of support sparks fears that the new Sydney Rovers western suburbs franchise will struggle for fans when they enter the A-League in 2011.

Sydney chief Edwin Lugt told the Sunday Telegraph: "Fan potential in that area is huge and player potential in that area is huge so we consider this as a great opportunity to bring our club towards those fans.

"Obviously with the Sydney Rovers coming in 18 months, we see this as an opportunity to win the hearts of the fans first. So that once Sydney Rovers are there, those fans have already chosen FC and take the trip to the SFS - albeit even though it will take them more time.

"We're in season five and, yes, there are a lot of challenges. But the potential is there and speaking for us as a club we're very positive about building and growing our crowds over the next five years."