Match details
City v Melbourne Victory
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Kick-off: 7.45pm AEDT
Preview
Melbourne Victory is looking to continue its strong start to the Isuzu UTE A-League season when it faces City in a blockbuster Derby clash on Saturday.
Victory has won three of the opening four league games to sit second on the table – one point behind Macarthur – ahead of Round 5.
A fine performance gave Victory a hard-fought 2-1 win away to rival Adelaide United last time out.
After Francesco Margiotta’s opener was cancelled out, Nishan Velupillay got on the end of a Robbie Kruse cross to tap in the 78th-minute winner at Coopers Stadium.
Victory will be without Jason Davidson for the Derby after the left-back was sent off late in the win, while Rai Marchan is available following his suspension.
Forming a new centre-back pairing, Matthew Spiranovic and Roderick Miranda produced a strong first performance together against the Reds.
Marco Rojas squandered a couple of good first-half chances, but provided his third assist of the season – an equal league-high – for Margiotta’s opener.
Victory was again without Chris Ikonomidis, but the forward could return for the eagerly anticipated Derby.
City is fourth on the table, two points behind Victory, after winning two of its opening four games.
Player in focus
Margiotta got off the mark with the game’s opener in Adelaide. The Italian produced a composed finish for his first goal in Victory colours.
What they said
“It’s a game like every game. It’s a rivalry, it’s still a Derby. It would be great for us because it would show that we are on the right path and that we want to fight for the titles, for the Championship, that’s what I can say. It would be great for us, it would give us more confidence and belief in our qualities.” – Victory goalkeeper Ivan Kelava told SEN.
Last time
Isuzu UTE A-League 2020/21 Round 24
Melbourne Victory 1-1 City
Sunday, June 6, 2021
AAMI Park, Melbourne
Victory held City in their most recent meeting late last season.
Lleyton Brooks scored a 95th-minute equaliser after Nick Ansell’s earlier own goal had put City ahead.
Head to head
Round 24, 2020/21: Victory 1-1 City at AAMI Park
Round 17, 2020/21: City 7-0 Victory at AAMI Park
Round 11, 2020/21: Victory 0-6 City at Marvel Stadium
Round 18, 2019/20: City 2-1 Victory at AAMI Park
Round 11, 2019/20: City 1-2 Victory at AAMI Park
