West Coast will be victorious in a thrilling western derby 47 due to their superior forward-line, according to The West Australian chief football writer Mark Duffield.

In today’s edition of the Duff and Quarters, Duffield and The Sunday Times sports editor Glen Quartermain have both backed the Eagles to win a sixth consecutive derby.

Duffield expects dynamic attacking duo Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling to have a big influence on the contest, the first ever between the cross-town rivals at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Dual Coleman medallist Kennedy booted nine goals across the two western derby clashes last season, winning the Ross Glendinning Medal for best-afield in round six.

Darling has started the season strongly in a new-look Eagles forward-line with 12 majors, stepping up in Kennedy’s absence in the first few rounds.

“You look at Jeremy McGovern in defence, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling in attack,” he said.

“Fremantle has an emerging defence, a very good young defence, so I would put them on equal terms (with West Coast) there.

“I think West Coast has the better weapons in attack, so if they can get a break-even situation in the midfield they will win.”

Quartermain said All-Australian Elliot Yeo’s midfield battle against Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe will be the “most captivating” match-up of the first ever derby at the new Burswood venue.

Yeo has put his hand up to mark the in-form Fremantle captain, who is coming off a career-best 43 disposals against the Western Bulldogs last weekend.