Melbourne Victory is aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time this Hyundai A-League season when it faces City in the Derby on Saturday.
Summary
Victory has won three of its past five matches, including a 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar last time out.
However, it has suffered defeat after each of its three wins so far this season.
Victory produced arguably its best half of the campaign so far in a superb opening 45 minutes in Brisbane, and it was rewarded with goals from Rhys Williams and Kosta Barbarouses.
Williams has enjoyed an excellent season, as has Leroy George, who assisted both goals at Suncorp Stadium to take his tally to a league-high six.
A win in the Derby would mark Victory’s 150th in the Hyundai A-League – with Brisbane also on 149 heading into Round 12.
Victory is fifth on the table but could rise to fourth by the end of the round, and close to within three points of third-placed City with a win.
Player in focus
What they said
“It’s exciting. I think all derbies that we have here in Australia are that little bit much more special. I think having played in Sydney derbies and with the Melbourne Derby, there’s that much more of an extra special feel to it.” – City defender Scott Jamieson.
“I feel really good. Now the team is doing really well, especially that first half against Brisbane, it was a really good start. If we can turn that into 90 minutes, we can beat any team in this competition. It’s just about getting things right and going from there.” – Victory defender Thomas Deng.
Last time
Hyundai A-League 2017/18 Round 2
Melbourne Victory 1-2 City
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Etihad Stadium, Melbourne
Leroy George scored his first goal in Victory colours during the Round 2 Derby.
However, goals either side from Marcin Budzinski and Bruce Kamau saw City claim three points.
Head to head
Round 2, 2017/18: Victory 1-2 City at Etihad Stadium
Round 18, 2016/17: Victory 2-1 City at Etihad Stadium
Round 11, 2016/17: City 1-2 Victory at AAMI Park
FFA Cup Semi Final 2016: Victory 0-2 City at AAMI Park
Round 2, 2016/17: Victory 1-4 City at Etihad Stadium
Match Details
Saturday, 23 December 2017
Melbourne City FC v Melbourne Victory
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Kick-Off: 7:50 PM (Local) (7:50 PM AEDT)
Referee: Jarred Gillett
Assistant Referee 1: Ryan Gallagher
Assistant Referee 2: Wilson Brown
Fourth Official: Jonathan Barreiro
Video Assistant Referee: Eddie Lennie
TV Broadcast: Live coverage on FOX SPORTS 501 from 7.45pm (AEDT), ONE from 7:45pm and Sky Sport 3 (New Zealand)
Radio Broadcast: myfootballnation.com (Talking Lifestyle and Sport FM Perth). ABC News on Radio, Grandstand Digital, Online & via the ABC Listen App – A-League Live.
Melbourne City FC squad (two to be omitted): 1.Dean BOUZANIS (gk), 3.Scott JAMIESON, 5.Bart SCHENKEVELD, 6.Osama MALIK, 7.Nick FITZGERALD, 8.Neil KILKENNY, 12.Braedyn CROWLEY, 13.Stefan MAUK, 14.Daniel ARZANI, 18.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 21.Ruon TONGYIK, 22.Michael JAKOBSEN, 25.Iacopo LA ROCCA, 26.Luke BRATTAN, 27.Marcin BUDZINSKI, 34.Connor METCALFE, 37.Nathaniel ATKINSON, 44.Ross McCORMACK
Ins: 8.Neil KILKENNY (promoted), 12.Braedyn CROWLEY (promoted), 34.Connor METCALFE (promoted)
Outs: 2.Manny MUSCAT (suspended – 2 weeks)
Unavailable: 23.Bruno FORNAROLI (ankle)
Melbourne Victory squad (two to be omitted): 1.Matt ACTON (gk), 2.Jason GERIA, 4.Rhys WILLIAMS, 5.Mark MILLIGAN, 6.Leigh BROXHAM, 7.Kenny ATHIU, 8.Besart BERISHA, 9.Kosta BARBAROUSES, 10.James TROISI, 14.Thomas DENG, 16.Josh HOPE, 18.Matias SANCHEZ, 20.Lawrence THOMAS (gk), 21.Carl VALERI (c), 22.Stefan NIGRO, 23.Jai INGHAM, 31.Christian THEOHAROUS, 41.Leroy GEORGE
Ins: 5.Mark MILLIGAN (returns from injury), 7.Kenny ATHIU (promoted)
Outs: Nil
Unavailable: 11.Mitch AUSTIN (knee), 17.James DONACHIE (quad)
