Sydney FC’s Terry Antonis is setting his sights on returning to the pitch for the all important semi-final match in front of thousands of ravenous fans.

The talented midfielder hasn’t played since March 15, but is scheduled to make it into the squad, even if it’s a start on the bench.

Coming in to the match as favourites, many are tipping to the Sky Blues to book their final spot tonight.

Standing in their way is Adelaide United, who have managed to take the scalp of Sydney FC a number of times in the season and have played up the scare tactics this week.

Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold says he’s not letting nerves get to him, despite admitting he hasn’t been able to sleep.

“They’re saying we’re scared but you can see by the fact I haven’t had a shave I haven’t slept much,” he says.

“They say they don’t talk about the opposition, but that’s all we’re hearing is what Adelaide are saying. I said at the start of the season our biggest opponents would be ourselves, and nothing changes.”

He’s spoken very highly of Terry Antonis returning to training after another bought of illness. He admits he’ll have a tough time selecting his final squad for the match.

“Shane Smeltz came in for Marc Janko and did exceptionally well, and Terry Antonis has come back, plus with Mickael [Tavares] and Milos [Dimitrijevic].”

“I’ve got some selections dilemmas.”

While they’re firm favourites, a lot is going against Sydney FC. They’ve had a pretty terrible home record, with all five of their losses in the season coming at home.

Finals football also means that upsets can be the norm.

“You can have the best team in the country against the worst team and in a one-off the game the worst team can win. That’s the same in finals football,” Arnold says.

With a week off, there has been speculation that the Sky Blue will be underdone when they hit the pitch.

Adelaide has had an extra game in the mean time, earning their semi-final spot after beating Brisbane Roar 2-1.

Every time Adelaide has come up against Sydney FC this year, they’ve never lost.

Adelaide United have been experimenting with a three-man defence of late, which is bringing them impressive results.

Fans have been waiting six years to see their team enter the grand final again. They’ll be desperately hoping the Sky Blues don’t ruin the party.